This is a sponsored article on behalf of British Science Festival.
Former Olympians, the world's first eight-legged musical instrument, an escape room challenge featuring time-travelling trees... British Science Festival 2024 is shaping up very nicely indeed.
This September, it's east London's turn to host Europe's longest-standing science festival, which is run by the British Science Association and takes place in a different part of the UK each year. The festival is all about making science more accessible and enjoyable — there are over 100 FREE events to choose from, including talks, workshops, exhibitions and drop-in activities, taking place at the University of East London (plus a couple of other venues in Stratford) between 11 and 15 September.
Read on for a few of our highlights.
Familiar faces
This year's edition of British Science Festival is headlined by social media sensation Big Manny, whose TikTok science demos have earned him over 1.8 million followers. Hear how he got into science before he's joined by presenters from the Royal Institution to showcase some of their favourite experiments.
Big Manny isn't the only big name on the line-up. You'll also have the chance to learn from former Olympic athletes, with world champion rower, Dame Katherine Grainger; former British and Commonwealth record holder for the 800m and 600m, Diane Modahl; and Olympic heptathlete, Kelly Sotherton taking part in a special panel discussion spanning sports science and women's health on 11 September.
If that's not enough for you, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Cheddar Gorgeous is rocking up for a talk on the ethics of AI in art.
Multisensory adventures
How's this for an eye-opening event? On 13 September you're invited to unlock the secrets of vision, via a series of interactive demonstrations that reveal the various tricks that our eyes and their movements play on us to construct our world.
Speaking of vision... have you ever wondered what it might be like to see music? Well, wonder no more — award-winning concert pianist Mark Larkhall performs a very unconventional duet with Otto, an AI programme which translates intricate musical nuances into stunning visuals.
More multisensory fun can be found in the form of this showcase of music, visuals, technology by AURA-KL and badcirculation. Elsewhere, you'll even have the chance to explore your spider senses by playing an arachnid-inspired eight-limbed musical instrument.
Out-of-this-world talks
Interested in astronomy? Got a burning question about space? Join the presenters of Britain's longest running science programme, The Sky At Night for a panel discussion featuring special guests. Or, if the prospect of extra-terrestrial life is what drives your fascination, drop in to a thought-provoking debate which explores the ethical, scientific, and existential implications of interstellar communication.
Fun and games
There are all sorts of interactive events to get stuck into at British Science Festival 2024. Win exciting prizes while uncovering the secrets of your DNA at Genetics Bingo. Take part in an escape room challenge by the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research featuring a virtual woodland of the future. Get up close to live animals at a very special Drink 'n' Draw event hosted by Zoolab.
This is just a snapshot of what you've got to look forward to at British Science Festival 2024. There's stuff going on throughout each day and into the evening — ideal if you're after an inspiration-sparking alternative to after-work drinks, or just something a bit different to do during your lunch break.
All events are completely free to attend, though some must be booked in advance — see the full programme, get tickets, and plan your visit.
x
