Swansea Science Festival returns this October half‑term with explosive shows and star wildlife guests

Hosted by Swansea University in partnership with the National Waterfront Museum, the festival will run on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, transforming the city‑centre venue into a hub of discovery and entertainment.

Headline acts include the Royal Institution’s Explosive Food and Fired Up shows, bringing science to life with dramatic demonstrations. Wildlife fans can hear first‑hand stories from the natural world as internationally renowned presenters and filmmakers Lizzie Daly and Hamza Yassin take to the stage.

Crowd‑pleasing favourites such as Bubbles and Balloons and Superhero Scientists will return, alongside a packed programme of talks and demonstrations covering everything from cutting‑edge engineering to the surprising uses of medical maggots — and even the science behind sweets and beer.

Something for everyone

Free drop‑in activities and interactive exhibits will run throughout the museum, offering opportunities for visitors to get hands‑on with experiments and meet researchers. Organisers say the programme is designed to appeal to everyone — from the simply curious to budding young scientists and lifelong enthusiasts.

Since its launch in 2016, the Swansea Science Festival has become a fixture in the city’s cultural calendar, attracting more than 10,000 visitors in previous years.

Professor Helen Griffiths, Swansea University’s Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said:

“Since 2016, the Swansea Science Festival has been a key event for the city, one that brings the community together with our academics and researchers through a shared love of science. We look forward to welcoming everyone in person for what promises to be an unmissable celebration of science for all ages.”

The full programme and ticket information is available at swansea.ac.uk/swanseasciencefestival.

#NationalWaterfrontMuseum #Science #Swansea #SwanseaScienceFestival #SwanseaUniversity

Hosted by Swansea University in collaboration with the National Waterfront Museum, this year’s festival will be held at the National Waterfront Museum on 26 and 27 October between 10am – 4pm, complemented by show-stopping performances at Swansea’s Taliesin Arts Centre.

Big names featured at this year’s festival include:

  • TikTok sensation Big Manny will discuss his upcoming book ‘Science is Lit’ whilst offering insight on how to embark on a journey to become a real-life scientist.
  • Ray Mears, celebrated author and TV presenter, will explore how his encounters with diverse people and places have transformed his perspective, reflect on the profound significance of wilderness, and underscore its vital importance for our future.

  • Meghan McCubbin, the acclaimed TV presenter and wildlife conservationist renowned for her roles on nature programs like Springwatch and Autumnwatch, will deliver an engaging talk on her passion for wildlife and conservation.

The weekend festival will host more than 20 free exhibitions, showcasing cutting-edge research from Swansea University. With no need to book in advance, visitors can turn up an explore hydrogen energy, meet robot cats and dogs, discover how ancient Egyptians mummified their dead and learn how to love a maggot.

The festival kicks off with an exciting pre-weekend feature at the Taliesin on Friday 25 October, with The Magical Mr West and his delightful show, Crafty Fools.

The festival will then conclude on Monday 28 October, when popular TV presenter Andy Day will entertain audiences with his thrilling performance, Andy’s Dino Rap.

As well as the free exhibitions, there will be bookable events featuring interactive workshops and captivating talks that explore the mysteries of the oceans, the marvels of electricity, and the remarkable stories of individuals shaping our world.

The Swansea Science Festival has cemented its place as a beloved annual event on the Swansea calendar, drawing in more than 10,000 visitors in previous years.

Professor Helen Griffiths, Swansea University’s pro-vice-chancellor for research and innovation, said: 

“Since 2016, the Swansea Science Festival has been a key event for the city, one that brings the community together with our academics and researchers through a shared love of science. We look forward to welcoming everyone in person for what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”

For the full schedule and ticket purchases, visit swansea.ac.uk/swansea-science-festival.

[Lead image: Swansea University]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/22/swansea-science-festival-returning-this-weekend/

#NationalWaterfrontMuseum #SwanseaScienceFestival #SwanseaUniversity

Swansea Science Festival - Swansea University

Swansea Science Festival is Swansea University's annual research event that showcases all the amazing research being undertaken by our world leading academics.

Hosted by Swansea University in collaboration with the National Waterfront Museum, this year’s festival will be held at the National Waterfront Museum on 26 and 27 October between 10am – 4pm, complemented by show-stopping performances at Swansea’s Taliesin Arts Centre.

Big names featured at this year’s festival include:

  • TikTok sensation Big Manny will discuss his upcoming book ‘Science is Lit’ whilst offering insight on how to embark on a journey to become a real-life scientist.
  • Ray Mears, celebrated author and TV presenter, will explore how his encounters with diverse people and places have transformed his perspective, reflect on the profound significance of wilderness, and underscore its vital importance for our future.

  • Meghan McCubbin, the acclaimed TV presenter and wildlife conservationist renowned for her roles on nature programs like Springwatch and Autumnwatch, will deliver an engaging talk on her passion for wildlife and conservation.

The weekend festival will host more than 20 free exhibitions, showcasing cutting-edge research from Swansea University. With no need to book in advance, visitors can turn up an explore hydrogen energy, meet robot cats and dogs, discover how ancient Egyptians mummified their dead and learn how to love a maggot.

The festival kicks off with an exciting pre-weekend feature at the Taliesin on Friday 25 October, with The Magical Mr West and his delightful show, Crafty Fools.

The festival will then conclude on Monday 28 October, when popular TV presenter Andy Day will entertain audiences with his thrilling performance, Andy’s Dino Rap.

As well as the free exhibitions, there will be bookable events featuring interactive workshops and captivating talks that explore the mysteries of the oceans, the marvels of electricity, and the remarkable stories of individuals shaping our world.

The Swansea Science Festival has cemented its place as a beloved annual event on the Swansea calendar, drawing in more than 10,000 visitors in previous years.

Professor Helen Griffiths, Swansea University’s pro-vice-chancellor for research and innovation, said: 

“Since 2016, the Swansea Science Festival has been a key event for the city, one that brings the community together with our academics and researchers through a shared love of science. We look forward to welcoming everyone in person for what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”

For the full schedule and ticket purchases, visit swansea.ac.uk/swansea-science-festival.

[Lead image: Swansea University]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/24/big-names-to-headline-swansea-science-festival-2024/

#NationalWaterfrontMuseum #SwanseaScienceFestival #SwanseaUniversity

Swansea Science Festival - Swansea University

Swansea Science Festival is Swansea University's annual research event that showcases all the amazing research being undertaken by our world leading academics.