Running from the 4th – 19th April, Edinburgh International Science Festival marks the arrival of spring and two weeks of immersive entertainment.
In a city of great scientific depth and game changing discoveries, the festival aims to shine a light on the capital and showcase its contributions to the field. One of the very first and now largest science festivals in the world, Edinburgh has initiated a global movement that encourages others to join the fun.Â
Nicknamed ‘The Ideas Factory’, this year’s festival has been designed to encourage and inspire young pioneers. Partnered with the local Government, Edinburgh University, national museums, city centre venues and media; Edinburgh International Science Festival promises something for all shapes and sizes. The festival will celebrate various themes including: light based technology, photography, neuroscience, energy and the environment, poetry, film and culture. There will be hands-on activities, experiments, road shows, performances and street buskers (see image) throughout April.
Some of Edinburgh’s iconic venues and landmarks will be transformed into an intellectual playground for curious minds. The National Museum of Scotland is currently developing new galleries and programmes dedicated to science and will play host to various instructive events throughout the festival, from 4D Maths to veterinary science. The University of Edinburgh is offering members of the public an insight into the research that goes on in their labs and the Botanical Gardens will act as a hub for creative imaginations with interactive stations and educational workshops on Bee Keeping, Farmyard Friends and more.
Celebrating 2015 as the Year of Food and Drink, the ever-popular ‘Gastrofest’ offers food for thought with a delicious selection of discussions and demonstrations. On the menu is a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a journey into the science of gin and culinary insights from local chef Paul Wedgwood to name a few. For an extra dose, BBC Health Correspondent Eleanor Bradford will be debating the nation’s addiction to sugar and experimental brewer Nick Zeigler of BrewDog will be testing the laws of fermentation.
Complete with a Manic Monster Hunt, Jungle Safari, Robot Race and Blood Bar; the City Art Centre is one for the   whole family. Little ones can get their hands dirty on the Under 5’s Trail whilst parents explore the ‘Tech Showcase’.  For those who have outgrown arts and crafts, Summer Hall is putting on an array of teen based programmes; from Space Day and Dino Day to Robot Brain Surgery and dissection. Likely to out-fun science class, the festival guarantees  an impressive show. A series of ‘Festival Lates’ strictly for adults only, and the big kids within, offer after-dark  amusements in the form of movie screenings, comedy storytelling and the Festival’s first ever club night for which  astronaut costumes are encouraged!
So dust off your spacesuit and check the whole family in to The Ideas Factory for a weekend of otherworldly discoveries. Â For more information and bookings:
Visit: Â www.sciencefestival.co.uk/
Follow @EdinSciFest