Full STEAM ahead as NI Science Festival rolls into Bangor, Ards and Strangford!

2nd February 2024

Next month, NI Science Festival returns to North Down as it celebrates a decade of exploration and discovery.

From Thursday 15 – Sunday 25 February, the festival’s largest ever programme of archaeologists, environmentalists, psychologists, neuroscientists and much more come together to celebrate all things science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Over 300 events are planned across Northern Ireland covering everything from the natural world, our planet, and the vast expanse of space to technology, engineering, the mind and body, food and much more.

In Bangor, the festival roadshow rolls into SPACE at South Eastern Regional College on Castle Park Road on Thursday 15th February with The Science of Jurassic World and The Super Nature Show with Chantelle and Rory.

In The Science of Jurassic World, science communicator Jon Chase entertaining exploration of the science behind the movie franchise that helped change the way we see dinosaurs.

CBeebies' Teeny Tiny Creatures animal experts Chantelle and Rory will take audiences on a super mission that shines a light on some of the cracking creatures that can be found right here in the UK and Ireland. They'll help children understand the vital planet-saving role that our tiniest animals play in the wonderful web of life.

At The Court House in Bangor, best-selling author Dr Stuart Farrimond explores The Science of Living (Thursday 22nd February), unearthing the facts behind the fads and providing takeaway advice on every area of our lives.

In Cultra, near Holywood, the festival, in partnership with National Museums NI, presents Full STEAM Ahead (Saturday 17th February), a takeover of the Ulster Transport Museum. A packed day of interactive activities, workshops, immersive experiences, the event promises fun for all the family, including shows with Scientific Sue and Strongwomen Science, arts and crafts, storytelling, science and circus performers and so much more.

On Saturday 24th February in Ards Arts Centre, delve into the magic of conservationist Conor Busittil’s new book, Billy Conker’s Nature Spotting Adventure, and explore our ecosystems with a drawing workshop to discover the wonders of forests and oceans.

At Strangford Lough Activity Centre, why not Paddle with a Purpose (Saturday 17th February) and join a kayak tour and island clean-up on Strangford Lough; uncover the sights and flavour of the area by kayak in Foraging Afloat (Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th February); or embark on a kayak tour to Mahee Island following a traditional smuggling route undertaken by Daft Eddie and the Merry Hearts to learn more about the history of The Monks, the Vikings, and the Smugglers of Strangford Lough (Sunday 25th February).

Make Your Own Mini Wetland (Saturday 24th February) at WWT Castle Espie, near Comber, is your chance to discover the simplicity of creating a mini wetland to support diverse wildlife in your surroundings and learn more about how even small water bodies can attract and sustain frogs, birds, insects, and facilitate new life.

Commenting on the launch of this year’s festival, its director, Sarah Jones, said, “We are very excited to be celebrating our tenth anniversary with a fantastic programme of events for the young and old. This year’s festival not only showcases the marvels of science but also explores its connections with arts and culture and beyond.

“As ever, our festival extends right across Northern Ireland and for the first time even crosses borders. For ten years we have spread the joy of science, sparked fascination with technology, engineering and maths and facilitated thought-provoking discussions regarding the arts – we look forward to building upon this not only this year but for many more to come.”

The 2024 NI Science Festival runs 15–25 February. For more information about events and bookings, visit nisciencefestival.com. Keep up to date with the festival on social media via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.