NI Science Festival 2017 Events

Third annual NI Science Festival runs from February 16 to February 26



Zombie-ologists, ugly animals, scientists, musicians and cocktail mixologists are set to descend on Derry / Londonderry next month as part of the third annual Northern Ireland Science Festival.



This year’s annual showcase for the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics will see more than 45 events taking place around the Maiden City.



There’s a vast array of events to interest all ages. For adults, the 'Sipp Up in a Brewery' takes place on Saturday February 18 – this is a unique walking and beer sampling tour showcasing the incredible science behind brewing beer in some of the North West’s best breweries. Also, following the foodie theme for adult audiences is ‘The Sustainable Menu’ at Brown’s Restaurant on Tuesday February 21. This involves a six-course tasting menu of sustainable produce.



Younger kids can also get explore the science behind their food with FlavourSenseNation on Sunday February 26. This is an exciting new interactive event that takes your taste buds on a roller-coaster ride through the senses, exploring your taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing and see how they react with each other when different sounds, smells and textures are thrown into the mix.



Teenagers can look forward to 'Zombie Science: Worst Case Scenario' at the Playhouse Theatre on Friday February 17. This is the world’s first fully certified interactive tutorial on how to survive the Zombie apocalypse!



For audiences of all ages, the NI Science Festival Roadshow is a hands-on event taking place at the Foyle Arena on Saturday February 25 and will see experiments, robots, 3D printers, 2D games and apps, learning about the habits and habitats of creatures like bats and fish.



Exhibitions, craft workshops, science-themed films, cocktail evenings as well as the ever-popular ‘Ugly Animals Roadshow’ will also take place throughout the city from February 16 to 26.



Overall, the festival will see 150+ events take place around Northern Ireland including contributions from internationally renowned speakers such as Bettany Hughes, academic and broadcaster Dr Alice Roberts, leading physicists Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Jim Al-Khalili, maths communicator Marcus du Sautoy and Britain’s first astronaut Helen Sharman.



According to NI Science Festival Director Chris McCreery: “From robotics and 3D printing to the science behind our world class food and drink, we’ve worked hard to craft a festival that will appeal to all ages and backgrounds.



“The festival has grown year-on-year and we very pleased to offer an enhanced programme in Derry" / Londonderry "and to bring our festival roadshows to towns around the country. Last year more than 65,000 people joined us for the festival and we hope that by widening opportunities, more people will have the opportunity to connect to the wonders of science in their lives.”



The festival is backed by the Department for the Economy, Belfast City Council, Tourism NI, Queen’s University, Ulster University, Department for Communities, The Matrix Panel, the British Council and STEM recruitment specialists MCS Group.



For further information about the Northern Ireland Science Festival and ticketing, log on to http://www.nisciencefestival.com



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