October will see the return of the Swansea Science Festival, hosted by Swansea University, in partnership with the National Waterfront Museum.
From 22-30 October, there will be a host of special events, including in-person shows, workshops, online activities, and a brand-new school programme, allowing people to access the Festival wherever they are in the world.
Featuring over 30 events, adults and children alike will be able to explore the magic of oxygen, the science and art of dreams, the wonders from ancient Egypt, coffee cups made from coffee and more. There’ll be big bangs from Brainiac Live and the Royal Institution, as well as ridiculous and shocking demonstrations, hacks, and myth-busting from Stefan Gates.
As a brand-new offering, Swansea University, in partnership with Technocamps and S4, will also present the Schools Science Takeover on 22 October. With a variety of nationwide virtual workshops, pupils of all ages will have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking world of innovation.
For Primary schools, Technocamps will be joined by special guest Grace Webb from BBC Bitesize and Grace’s Amazing Machines, helping to nurture pupils’ curiosity and engagement with science. For Secondary Schools, Swansea University’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach programme, S4, will invite schools to participate in a virtual workshop, with fun and informative classroom experiments designed to inspire and enthral.
The Festival will continue on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October, with live events at the National Waterfront Museum and Oriel Science’s new city-based exhibition space.
At Oriel Science, guests will explore artificial intelligence, learn the secrets of mummification, and see dreams brought to life with Professor Mark Blagrove from Swansea University’s Psychology Department and artist Dr Julia Lockheart.
In the National Waterfront Museum, there will be opportunities to explore the strange science lurking in everyday things, as BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates tackles questions such as “why can’t you melt a Flake?” and “what are bogies for?”
The highly acclaimed Royal Institution will deliver lively fire-based demonstrations that will leave guests fired up about energy. Simon Webb will present some of the world’s ugliest animals, and guests will be blown away by bubbles with the Bubble Superstars.
Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Swansea University, said: “Since its first year as part of the British Science Festival in 2016, the Swansea Science Festival has been a key event for the city, one that brings the community together through a shared love of science.
“Last year’s virtual event was a great success, with guests joining us from all corners of the world and we’re delighted to be offering this opportunity once again. We’re also excited to be hosting some fantastic in-person sessions as part of our 2021 lineup and look forward to welcoming everyone.”
