The Edinburgh Science Festival is a stunning event that takes place over two weeks and aims to “inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the world around them.” It’s the world’s longest-running science festival, and they’re celebrating their milestone 30th year with one of the most ambitious events yet.
There’s certainly no lack of drive when it comes to the theme, which will be ‘Life, the Universe and Everything Else’. The newly-launched programme will feature almost 270 events for families and adults across 30 venues dotted throughout Scotland’s beautiful capital city. That makes it Europe’s largest science festival as well as the world’s longest-running, and the organisers tell us that the line-up includes performances, screenings, exhibitions, discussions, workshops, and more.
And there should certainly be no shortage of highlights. A large outdoor exhibition known as The Mound is backed by EDF and looks to spread awareness for low carbon technologies. If you’re going as a family, events held at the City Art Centre, Summerhall will appeal. For the more curious young minds, try hands-on workshops at the National Museum of Scotland.
If you’re of a culinary bent, look to a series of events focused on food – you’ll even find Bake Off finalist Andrew Smyth exploring the intriguing concept of baking in space. Other projects include Busking Bikes, which hopes to take the wonders of science to communities across the city, including Muirhouse and Leith.
It’s set to be one of the most probing and inspirational festivals of the year. Just hear what creative director Amanda Tyndall has said:
“As always, we deliver this through an incredible programme of hands-on experiments, thought-provoking discussions, dynamic performances, events and exhibitions; all designed to show how important and central science is to shaping and living our lives and inspiring the problem solvers of tomorrow.”
“It’s our 30th festival this year and we appreciate the privileged role we have in delivering not only the world’s longest-running science festival but one of the highlights on the city’s annual calendar of events.”
The grand 30th Edinburgh Science Festival will be running from March 31 to April 15, so you’d better start exploring the timetable, booking your train, and checking for plane tickets.