Norwich Science Festival

Norwich Science Festival kicks off with a bang!

Half term started with a bang for families, as the Norwich Science Festival kicked off on Wednesday with an early show about the science of fireworks (Fireworks: Reals Science or Just Bangs) at OPEN Norwich, and a launch event at The Forum.

The Festival, which starts officially today, Friday 19 October, is now in its third year, runs through half term until Saturday 27 October, with over 135 events for all ages and all levels of knowledge.

With a sold-out headline show from Chris Packham, and national names including explorer Benedict Allen, Great British Bake Off finalist Andrew Smyth, Springwatch presenter Lucy Cooke, and a virtual reality space bus with narration from Tim Peake, there are plenty of top events and shows. As well as talks, shows and workshops, each day The Forum’s main space is transformed into The Explorium – a family-friendly, hands-on science zone with free activities between 10am and 4pm, with a different theme each day.

The first theme is Water Day, in association with headline sponsor Anglian Water, looking at oceans, seas and rivers, and what we can all do to protect our marine environment.



Andy Brown, Head of Sustainability at Anglian Water, said: “Anglian Water are very pleased to sponsor this fantastic Festival which brings to life the importance of science in our everyday lives. It is a brilliant way to enthuse the next generation about science, engineering and technology and think about a career in these STEMM areas. It’s great to see water as a focus of the Festival for the first time this year – there is so much that we can all do to keep this precious resource pristine and plastic free.”

This year, over 100 scientists from UEA and the other five partners that make up the Norwich Research Park are taking part in Norwich Science Festival, showcasing the cutting-edge research that takes place in our region.

David Parfrey, Executive Chair of Norwich Research Park said: “Norwich Research Park is delighted to again be playing a key part in this year’s Norwich Science Festival. Norwich has one of the strongest bases for science activity in the country. Norwich Research Park is a unique mix that blends a major university teaching hospital with a leading university and internationally important research institutes. The Park is one of the largest life science clusters in Europe with 12,000 talented people including 3,000 scientists and 80 businesses all located within its 1km radius. The Norwich Science Festival gives us the opportunity to share with visitors how our scientists are tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges right on their doorstep.”

UEA Vice-Chancellor Professor David Richardson said: “As a scientist myself, I’m very proud of UEA’s involvement in the Norwich Science Festival. The Festival programme is engaging, thought-provoking and fun. The festival’s a great opportunity for people to better understand the world we live in and the work scientists in Norwich are doing to build a better future for us all.”

For more information on all events, and to book, visit norwichsciencefestival.co.uk, or pick up a brochure from The Forum, or Tourist Information Centres, venues and libraries around the county.

Norwich Science Festival

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 2018 Festival patrons are 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 15–17 October. The 2018 headline sponsor is Anglian Water, with additional sponsorship from Developing Experts, University Technical College Norfolk, Vattenfall, Briar Chemicals, and KLM UK Engineering, and funding from Foyle Foundation, Geoffrey Watling Trust and John Jarrold Trust.

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.