Festivals

Whether your tastes are literary, philosophical, musical or comical there are festivals that fit the bill, putting you among others who share your interests and into a context in which you can place your research. For biomedical researchers, the UK’s multitude of science festivals are great routes for inspiring and exciting audiences - primarily families and school students - with the wonder and potential of science.

Getting involved with festivals

You’re likely to know your festival of choice better than us, however we're happy to offer advice and to discuss possible approaches, so please do get in touch.

Beyond science festivals, the Trust has previously supported events at the Hay philosophy festival, How The Light Gets In, the Hay and Cheltenham literary festivals, and in 2011 we will be working with Guerrilla Science, who take science into music festivals like Glastonbury, Latitude and Secret Garden Party on a ‘dirt’ themed arena at Glastonbury.

Science festivals

The British Science Festival is a national event that changes location each year, and each region has its own festivals based within host cities.

Funded by the Department for Trade and Industry and coordinated by the British Association for Science, National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW) provides an annual focus for public engagement events. Tying your event into NSEW can ensure wider coverage and a greater range of audiences. Get in touch with them to find out more.

There are many festivals throughout the UK looking for researchers to become involved in their activities.

Science Festivals in your region:

Scotland

• Edinburgh: Edinburgh's international science festival runs for two weeks every spring, with a wide range of live engagement events for all audiences. Visit the Edinburgh International Science Festival website for information about getting involved or contact Jen Wood or Paul Hymers by telephone: +44 (0)1315 530320.
• Aberdeen: Held annually, Techfest is Aberdeen's three-week festival of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There are programmes of events for schools, families and adult audiences. Visit the Techfest website for more information.
• Glasgow: Visit the Glasgow University science festival website for more information or contact Deborah McNeill by sending an email to info@glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk.

North of England

• Newcastle: Newcastle ScienceFest is a 10 day celebration of science at venues across Newcastle and Gateshead, with the principal aim of increasing the North East’s enthusiasm for science and encouraging young people to consider a career in this area. To get involved, contact Toni Hammill via email, toni.hamill@life.org.uk, or by calling +44 (0)1912 438252.
• Manchester: The Manchester Science festival encourages researchers to become involved. Visit their website or send an email to info@manchestersciencefestival.com for more information.

South of England

• Cambridge: The Cambridge Science Festival is committed to engaging the public with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and more. To participate in the festival send an email to csf@admin.cam.ac.uk or visit their website.
• Cheltenham: Learn more about the Cheltenham science festival by visiting their website.
• Brighton: To get involved with the Brighton Science festival contact Richard Robinson on Richard@brightonscience.com, or by calling +44 (0)1273 777628.

Wales

• Wrexham: Wrexham’s event is ‘a festival all about science’. To get involved, visit their website.