Thousands of families enjoyed the award-winning Lancashire Science Festival
Thousands of families flocked to Preston for the return of the award-winning Lancashire Science Festival.
The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) free extravaganza, which aims to inspire youngsters about the real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine, saw around 5,000 people attend for an action-packed fun fest.
The popular event, which was returning after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, showcased the very best in electrifying shows, fantastic workshops, exciting exhibits and hands-on activities.
Betty Flynn-Givens, from Kendal, took part in the make you own lipbalm and Chinese pottery workshops and attended the Zoolab talk. The eight-year-old said: “I’ve really enjoyed being able to hold lots of different animals, like a snake, giant snail and giant cockroach, plus make a mess in the hands-on session when making a lip balm and bright blue body cream.”
"I’ve really enjoyed being able to hold lots of different animals, like a snake, giant snail and giant cockroach"
— Betty Flynn-Givens
Joshua Boulton, from Poulton-le-Fylde and his mum, Victoria, were among the returning visitors. The six-year-old, who was attending his third Lancashire Science Festival, said: “I loved holding a piece of a meteorite and really enjoyed making models out of Playdoh in the pottery class.”
Some of the highlights included Ensonglopedia, which asked what does it mean to be human?; Perspectricks, which saw science magician Matt Pritchard share a host of perplexing optical illusions; Mathew Tosh dazzled the audiences with his Pyrotrickery show; The Blowfish returned with his popular Heavy Metal Marine Biology show; while David Hall wowed the crowds with his Mathmagics event.
Dad Neil Hutchinson, from Lancaster, attended with his five-year-old son Harry. Neil said: “It’s great he can get so hands-on as he’s learning so much through playing with lots of the different stands.”
"I loved holding a piece of a meteorite and really enjoyed making models out of Playdoh"
— Joshua Boulton
The interactive showfloors once again proved popular for youngsters with a wide variety of interactive, hands-on exhibits.
Dr Liz Granger, Lancashire Science Festival Director, said: “It was fantastic to see thousands of smiling children and happy families back on our Preston Campus for the return of the Lancashire Science Festival.
“Our Festival always provides a great selection of science, engineering, technology, maths and medicine inspired shows, workshops and drop-in activities which appeal to all ages and during the last 19 months, everyone has seen first-hand how vitally important these areas are to our daily lives.
“It’s been a real team effort to return for our ninth year, with contributions from staff, students, volunteers, sponsors, regional businesses and organisations, so to know thousands of people have left feeling enthused about science is absolutely wonderful.”