The return of Swindon’s Festival of Tomorrow is now confirmed with people from across Swindon and the UK being invited to share in the research and innovation that will shape our futures.
Building on the success of the sold-out in person festival in 2020, the festival organisers have worked with partners to create an innovative blended festival experience with activity across town, an exciting virtual schools’ programme, and social, interactive events, all culminating in a two-day physical Festival held at The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe during February half-term.
Festival goers will be invited to imagine what kind of future we want to create, whilst getting a glimpse of the latest in science and research, with family shows, in-depth debates and opportunities to get hands-on with the latest tech.
With more shows and events being confirmed every day, Swindonians can expect the very latest discoveries and advances of real scientists, engineers and researchers – covering everything from the future of space and robotics to Smart Cities and the latest innovations in the fight to tackle climate change. A special session will also be held to give people a chance to find out more from some of the team behind the recent discovery of a mammoth graveyard, just north of Swindon.
Organisations including Swindon-based UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Intel, the UK Space Agency, The James Dyson Foundation, and the Science Museum Group will be supporting the festival with hands-on science, talks, shows and workshops to give people of all ages and backgrounds the chance of exploring the surprising, the entertaining, and the inspiring.
Alexis Mannion, Public Engagement Lead at UKRI said, “The UK is at the forefront of responding to the devastating effects of the pandemic, with the past two years highlighting the vital importance of research and innovation in empowering us to tackle the many challenges we face as individuals and as communities.
“UKRI is proud to partner with the Festival of Tomorrow, to create opportunities for everyone to grow our understanding of how research and innovation work, and how they can help us all to create tomorrow, together.”
Rod Hebden, Festival of Tomorrow Director said, “We were blown away last year when over 7,000 people joined the festival activities from home, and those people asked us to keep the elements that made the online experience so incredible and engaging.
‘This year, we’ve planned to be ready for whatever is thrown at us and we’ll balance the virtual and physical. We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to an even bigger and better event in February, with an exciting mix of in-person, online and blended activities to reach even more people across the town.”
The last time the festival was held in person, advance tickets were booked out fast. To be the first in line, sign up for ticketing updates by visiting www.festivaloftomorrow.com
