Zombies, comedy, explosions and hip-hop dance will converge on Aberdeen this month for a special 20-day programme of events, workshops and shows to celebrate its 20th birthday.
With a wide range of activities for all ages … but with the emphasis on those of you who are at school… this annual festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is set to attract around 25,000 visitors between September 13 and October 2.
One of the aims of TechFest In September is to engage young people in the four main STEM subjects and encourage them to consider a career that makes use of these skills by showing they are both fun and relevant in day-to-day life.
The public events are complemented by an outreach programme for thousands of primary and secondary pupils. This is closely linked to the curriculum, and fun workshops, shows and hands-on activities for schools from early years, through primary and on to academy level.
A highlight for P1-7 is the Best of Science delivered by the nutty Steve Allman. Highlights will include a huge variety of jaw-dropping experiments and demonstrations including giant smoke rings, colour-changing tubes, slime, giant sparks, exploding whoosh tubes, ping-pong balls travelling at over 100mph, funny sounds and reactive video technology.
No details of the programme for older pupils was available on the Techfest website as we went to press.
The festival will get under way with a fun-filled activity weekend, with 35 hands-on workshops and demonstrations at the Beach Ballroom and Beach Leisure Centre on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15.
Edwina Keown, deputy managing director of TechFest, said: “We have introduced a number of new events and venues this year and the public programme offers something for all different age groups and audiences, from the fun and light-hearted to thought-provoking presentations about topical subjects.”
Aberdeen Art Gallery will host the opening event on Friday, September 13 – An Evening of Discovery with Sue Black, Professor of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Dundee, which will start at 7.30pm.
The most senior forensic anthropologist in the UK, Sue was awarded a police commendation for her work in disaster victim identification training and is an advisor to the Home Office, Foreign Office and Interpol.
Basically that means she is both important and famous.
Other key highlights include:
- A talk by BBC Radio 2 presenter Simon Mayo on his books Itch and Itch Rocks, about a science-mad, element hunting hero
- An insight into the Science of Brewing with the team from Fraserburgh-based BrewDog
- Sunday comedy nights
- The Daredevil Labs
- Everest show on high altitude survival, hosted by BBC presenter Greg Foot.
- All in all there should be heaps of fun with a purpose for everyone!
Oh, and by the way, you must badger your teacher to make sure your class goes to at least one of the many events planned for schools.