Swindon’s much-anticipated Festival of Tomorrow is back with its most extensive lineup of activities and events ever, promising an array of free experiences for families and adults alike during the upcoming half-term break.
Tickets are available now at www.festivaloftomorrow.com to secure free spots for the Festival Finale at the Deanery CE Academy on Friday, 16th, and Saturday, 17th February, as last year’s event reached maximum capacity.
The Festival Finale boasts four free interactive discovery zones, offering captivating demos, intriguing exhibits, hands-on activities, challenges, and free workshops for all ages. Attendees can explore the universe with a planetarium show, race a hydrogen fuel-cell car, program a robot vehicle, delve into the science of health, create space-inspired art, or try out Intel’s latest e-sports gaming gear.
This year’s program includes inspiring talks, panel discussions, and explosive family shows, with free tickets for under-18s attending finale talks and shows (accompanied by an adult ticketholder).
Highlights for Families:
Exploding Custard: Award-winning science communicator Ian Russell presents a spectacular and lively show of experiments using everyday materials.
The Royal Institution Presents: Energy Live!: An exciting journey through the stores of energy, packed with fire-based demonstrations by the highly acclaimed Royal Institution.
Amazing Animals: Braintastic! Science showcases the super-smart abilities of the world’s most incredible animals, engaging the audience with puzzles and tests.
Dr Ken’s Circus Science Show: Juggling Scientist Dr Ken explores the scientific principles behind circus tricks and dangerous stunts, offering entertaining and educational experiments.
For Adults and Teens:
Drones for Good in Ukraine: Mark Horton, television presenter and Professor of Archaeology, explores how drones are aiding food growth in Ukraine during ongoing conflicts.
The Art of Science: Festival Director, Dr Rod Hebden, and distinguished guests explore the intersection of science and the arts, discussing its significance and potential collaboration.
Here Come the Robots: BBC Radio science journalist Roland Pease leads a panel discussion on the latest research and applications of robotic swarms, addressing the ethics of robotics and AI.
Big Health, Tiny Science!: Scientists at the Rosalind Franklin Institute delve into atomic pathology, using powerful microscopes to explore the molecules that make up our bodies.
The Festival program also includes interactive events, activities, and experiences across Swindon from 9th to 18th February. Attractions include the giant inflatable robotic snail Luma, residing at Steam – Museum of the Great Western Railway, and the Mechanical Bloom lab at the Designer Outlet, presenting a nature-themed robotic installation.
For the first time, the festival extends to evening entertainment for teens and adults, featuring a comedy night, a special Sofa Screening of the sci-fi thriller “Moon,” and Neon Dance’s live contemporary dance performance “Last and First Men.”
Join the Festival of Tomorrow for an exciting blend of science, entertainment, and community engagement. For tickets and the full program, visit www.festivaloftomorrow.com.
