From space adventures to beer tastings, there is something for everyone as the Norwich Science Festival (NSF) gears up to return for 2024.
The popular city event is back from February 17 to 24, over the half-term holiday, and it features a jam-packed programme of talks, shows, workshops and performances for all ages.
There are more than 200 events, including a range of free activities, and tickets are on sale now at norwichsciencefestival.co.uk - you can also pick up a brochure at The Forum.
Claire Mutimer, the festival producer, said: "I am particularly excited to introduce a new strand this year – the Science of Self series.
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"It is designed to fill a lunch hour and help us better understand everything from our emotions to how we can become a better runner."
Here are some of Norwich Science Festival 2024 highlights:
FREE EVENTS
The Forum’s Atrium and an outdoor heated marquee will be transformed into The Explorium with free hands-on activities and stalls (drop-in, February 17-24, 10.30am-4pm).
Britain’s Got Talent star Ben Langley is bringing a new play to NSF called To the Moon and Back, which is aimed at ages 5+ (February 17-24, 11am and 2pm, The Gallery in The Forum).
In WonderTots, 2–4-year-olds can enjoy lots of playful activities, hands-on experiences and dressing up (February 17, 18, 20, 21, times vary, Lower Gallery in The Forum).
Taking place at, and sponsored by, Chantry Place is the Under the Sea Trail. This family adventure will reveal the secrets of the seaside, from our much-loved local seals to the never-before-seen purple sponge, the Parpal Dumplin (February 10-24).
For grown-ups, the University of East Anglia presents fantastic talks such as Liar, Liar ChatGPT on Fire (February 19, 11am) and The Power of Shared Experience: Local Women and the Menopause (February 20, 11am) - both in The Auditorium at The Forum.
For many of the free events booking is still required, so make sure to check the NSF website.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Author and TV presenter Jess French shares the tricks to writing imaginary creatures in Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain (February 17, 11.30am) and takes families on an adventure into the darkest of caves and deepest of oceans in Glow-in-the-Dark Creatures (February 17, 4pm) - both in The Auditorium at The Forum.
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For those master builders, Lego Farm Adventures: Code, Build, Grow! at Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form explores the future of farming (February 18, various times).
Dinosaur fans delight as NSF delves deep into the popular movie franchise with The Science of Jurassic World with Jon Chase (February 22, 2pm, Norwich Theatre Playhouse).
How to Build a Racing Car with Fran Scott is perfect for engine-obsessed children (February 23, 11am and 2pm, Epic Studios).
EVENTS FOR ADULTS
The Science of Beer-making with Jaega Wise explains the art of brewing and the science behind beer with tastings (February 18, 5pm, Yalm Food Hall).
From drink to food, The Future of Meat: What Will We Eat in 2034 explores how we might be eating in a decade's time (February 18, 2pm, The Auditorium at The Forum).
AI is one of the key themes for NSF events: in CTRL-ALT-DELIGHT computer scientist Kate Devlin presents an electrifying evening investigating how technology impacts our relationships (February 19, 7pm, Norwich Arts Centre).
For parents, teachers and people who work with or care for children, Beyond Behaviour with Marie Gentles OBE is a must-see (February 22, 7.30pm, Norwich Arts Centre).
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The State of Our Oceans: Charting a Sustainable Course brings a panel of top marine scientists, conservationists and academics together (February 23, 6pm, Production Theatre at Norwich University of the Arts).
Norwich Science Festival is presented by The Forum, alongside partner organisations including the University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Norwich Science Festival is sponsored by Allies Computing, Chantry Place, Chestnut Nursery School, CIM Signs and Graphics, Dipple and Conway, Howes Percival, Norwich High School for Girls, Norwich School, Ovamill, Pensthorpe, Seaweed in East Anglia and Vattenfall.
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