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From minibeasts to space dogs – over 180 events in biggest Norwich Science Festival yet!
The 2019 Norwich Science Festival brochure is out now, featuring over 180 exciting events – from the science of food, sin and ageing, to the future of human spaceflight, and family shows from animal top trumps to the science of Roald Dahl.
The 2019 Festival, which runs in October half-term (18–26 October), is back for its fourth year, with nine days of science fun for all ages and levels of knowledge. Its eclectic programme covers food, health and medicine; zoology, nature and the environment; chemistry; technology and engineering; astronomy, space and physics, and the cutting-edge work by scientists at Norwich Research Park.
The brochure was launched today at The Forum, with the help of partners from the Norwich Research Park and University of East Anglia. Joining them was ‘Barney Bee’, who had flown in to promote the Earlham Institute’s Bumblebee Trail at this year’s Festival, and Bee Saviour Behaviour, who help people save bees on the streets.
Highlights include: headline speaker conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, talking to Prof Ben Garrod; a Hidden Elements trail throughout Norwich, inspired by the periodic table; a panel debate on social media and its impact on teenage mental health, with TV and radio presenters Katie Thistleton and Dr Radha Modgil; and presenter Konnie Huq in conversation about her children’s book and why more girls should get into science.
There’s also science-inspired exhibitions, films and theatre shows, plus from Saturday 19 October, there’s free family-friendly activities, hands-on fun and talks each day at The Forum, for all ages.
Natalie Bailey, Festival Producer, said:
“We’ve concocted a huge and diverse programme for this year’s Festival – with talks on everything from the benefits of bird therapy, to the dogs that went into space! We’re particularly excited about our new ‘science lates’ event, Science After Six –a strictly adults-only evening with cocktails, music and hands-on activities – a fantastic chance for adults to explore science without the kids!”
The Festival is coordinated by The Forum and a partnership of organisations and institutions, including Norwich Research Park and the University of East Anglia, who have over 200 people taking part.
David Parfrey, Executive Chair, Norwich Research Park:
“Some of the biggest challenges our world faces include how we feed a growing population, prevent and treat chronic diseases and take our planet back from the brink of irreversible climate change. The work being undertaken at the Norwich Research Park has never been more relevant than it is today, tackling challenges such as these, and the Norwich Science Festival is a fantastic opportunity for us to share our world-class research, to celebrate science and to help inspire the next generation.”
Andy Brown, Head of Sustainability at headline sponsor Anglian Water, said:
“We are extremely proud to be the headline sponsor of the Norwich Science Festival again this year. Science is important in everything we do and to meet the challenges of today – climate change, living within our environmental limits and maintaining water, a vital public resource – we need to inspire the scientists of tomorrow. This is what the Science Festival does so well.”
Visit norwichsciencefestival.co.uk to see all events and book tickets, or pick up a brochure from The Forum, Norwich TIC or venues across Norfolk.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact Jan Robertson, Norwich Science Festival Marketing Manager:
Notes to editors
About the Norwich Science Festival
Celebrate the wonderful world of experiments, discoveries, exploration and innovation at Norwich Science Festival this October. Enjoy inspirational exhibitions, hands-on family activities, inspiring celebrity talks and sensational shows at The Forum, and at other venues around the city. This is a festival for all age groups and all levels of knowledge. The 2019 Festival patrons include Lizzie Daly –– TV presenter and wildlife biologist, Mark Thompson – astronomer, broadcaster and author, and Ben Garrod – evolutionary biologist and great ape conservationist. A Learning Programme for schools, colleges, home-educated learners and youth groups runs 14–17 October. The 2019 headline sponsor is Anglian Water, with additional sponsorship from Norwich Accountancy Services, University Technical College Norfolk, Vattenfall, Briar Chemicals, Fitness Space, Veolia, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, and KLM UK Engineering.
Explore the Norwich Science Festival website for the full programme from 21 August – norwichsciencefestival.co.uk – and follow Norwich Science Festival on Twitter and Facebook.
About The Forum
The Forum, in the centre of Norwich, is one of the UK’s most successful Millennium projects.
It’s a public building, open seven days a week, all year round (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Everyone is welcome. Most of the public events, exhibitions and activities which take place at The Forum are free.
The Forum Trust is the independent, self-financing, charitable organisation which manages The Forum building.
It is responsible for The Forum’s continued development, growth and innovation.
The Trust works with many partners to ensure The Forum plays a valuable role in the community.
Details about the charitable ‘project purpose’ which underpins The Forum are on the website