Chelmsford Science Festival brings educational entertainment to the city
Chelmsford Science Festival is back from 22–29 October 2024 following a highly successful event in 2023. Now entering its third year, 2024’s festival has a brilliant lineup of events designed to educate, explore and entertain.
This year’s festival is once again organised by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in partnership with Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You, and sponsored by Teledyne.
The festival theme this October is ‘Our World – Planetary Health’, exploring topics such as sustainable futures, environmental awareness and the benefits of nature for wellbeing. Most events are free, but booking is essential as capacities are limited.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, is looking forward to this year’s festival after an outstanding 2023 event:
““Science is all around us from the weather and the buildings we live in, to computer games and the human body, and the Chelmsford Science Festival is an opportunity for ARU to share our world-leading knowledge and facilities with the people of Chelmsford.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University
“Last year’s event was a fantastic success and once again there promises to be something for everyone taking place across the city. We are grateful to headline sponsors Teledyne and our partners Chelmsford For You and Chelmsford City Council for their support in organising a fantastic festival.”
Educational activities for families
The Chelmsford Science Festival has been incredibly popular with families over the last two years, so ARU have pulled together another brilliant programme of activities to keep young ones entertained again this year.
On Tuesday 22 October, toddlers get the chance to start exploring the world of science with the Young Minds Science Workshop. Led by award-winning STEM educator, Sandra Beal, this session sees early years children conduct their own STEM experiments. These include self-inflating balloons, electromagnetics, and ziplines and water fountains.
Over the weekend of 26 and 27 October, ARU’s popular Family Science Days return. Each day features hands-on, interactive activities for all ages, including a chance to build your own skull, be an architect for a day, and enjoy a Living History of Science Show.
There’ll also be a special immersive exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Lily Hunter Green. Hive Heros explores what humans can learn from the fascinating immune systems of honeybees. It includes an interactive team game where players act as bees to stop the spread of a virtual virus. Participants’ involvement will help advance real-world studies on social immunity.
Relaxed SEN hours are available on each Family Science Day, providing an opportunity for families with Special Educational Needs to enjoy a quieter session.
Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy For Cultural Services, says Chelmsford Science Festival has become an integral part of the city’s calendar of events:
““Now in its third year, Chelmsford Science Festival has become a highly anticipated event in the annual calendar. Many people across Chelmsford look forward to its return each year.
Cllr Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy For Cultural Services, Chelmsford City Council
“For families, the festival is a brilliant opportunity to encourage their children to explore the enormous and fascinating world of science. ARU’s varied programme of fun and free events demonstrates just how thrilling and accessible science can be to everyone. I hope the festival will continue to inspire our future generations of astronauts, engineers and scientists for many years to come.”
Out Of This World City Activation days
In partnership with Chelmsford For You, ARU’s City Activation events are also back for 2024. On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October, kids can find out what it’s like to be an astronaut on the International Space Station through a VR experience, explore a 360-degree cinematic space dome, and enjoy explosive rocket shows.
As we go into the October half term, Chelmsford For You continues the science theme with their Out Of This World trail taking place from 28 October until 3 November. Families following the trail will discover inflatable planets from our solar system located in shops and businesses around the city centre. There are even more activities taking place across that week, including face painting, arts and crafts, and intergalactic bath bomb making sessions.
Science for adults
There’s also plenty for adults to enjoy at this year’s Chelmsford Science Festival. Most excitingly, TV presenter and photographer, Hamza Yassin, will be joining the festival on Tuesday 29 October. Hamza will talk about his personal journey of overcoming adversity with dyslexia, his path to becoming a renowned wildlife photographer, and his triumph on Strictly Come Dancing.
On 24 October the festival will host two fascinating evening talks: A Practical Guide to Gardening on Mars and Navigating the Tech Revolution: Understanding AI’s Impact on our Future. These will explore the exciting possibilities of the future – could there one day be a self-sustaining colony on Mars? And how will the development of AI technology reshape our world?
For those looking to enjoy a good night out, the Science Festival also brings an evening of stand-up comedy to HotBox Live on Tuesday 29 October. Hosted by Steve Cross, Science Showoff mixes professional comedy with science facts in an evening that will keep you laughing as you try to better understand the universe.
Book your free tickets now
Chelmsford Science Festival arrives in the city from Tuesday 22 October. You can view the full programme of events online; most activities are free but will require a ticket for entry.
Keep up to date with Chelmsford Science Festival news by following ARU on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Cherelle writes about Chelmsford Theatre, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford Museum, the Mayor of Chelmsford and culture and events in the city.