Free science spectacular returns

The award-winning Lancashire Science Festival is returning!

After last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid-19, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) will host the free one-day extravaganza on Saturday 23 October.

Taking place between 10.00am and 4.00pm on UCLan’s Preston Campus, families will experience the fun and real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, maths and health with the aim of enthusing and inspiring the next generation.

The free-to-attend event will showcase the very best in electrifying shows, fantastic workshops, exciting exhibits and hands-on activities.

These will include Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes, which invites the audience to test out their own superpowers and explores the psychology and biology of our favourite superheroes; Ensonglopedia, which asks what does it mean to be human?; and Perspectricks, which sees science magician Matt Pritchard share a host of perplexing optical illusions, impossibilities, and ambiguous objects created from household items.

The amazing Bubbles and Balloons Show will question if you can catch a bubble? Make it last for ever or make it square shaped? while exotic animals can be handled in sessions covering the rainforest, habitats and minibeasts.

On the interactive showfloors, youngsters can explore the world around us or step into new ones with Minecraft workshops. Other workshops ask how do infections travel and how do we stop them? Can you build your own spaceship? What makes the best den?

If either young or old have always wanted to know what it’s like to walk on the moon, then one of the UCLan-led astronomy stands will simulate a moonwalk via a virtual reality headset.

The Festival is one of the biggest free events in Lancashire and is now in its ninth year.

Dr Liz Granger, Lancashire Science Festival Director, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce the return of our Lancashire Science Festival.

“During the last 18 months, everyone has seen first-hand how vitally important health, science, technology, engineering and maths are to our daily lives.

“Our one-day event has something to spark everyone’s interest and imagination. It’s a great way of inspiring and engaging young people and we can’t wait to welcome everybody back to our free festival.”

More information about the festival and ordering tickets can be found at www.lancashiresciencefestival.co.uk