The Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity is set to make a vibrant return this February half-term, offering a wealth of free, fun-filled events designed to captivate families across the county. As a key part of this county-wide celebration, Bassetlaw District Council will host an array of activities aimed at inspiring young minds, igniting curiosity, and fostering a lasting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
A Diverse Programme of Interactive Sessions
This year's festival boasts a varied mix of drop-in and bookable sessions scattered throughout the district, providing young participants with the opportunity to delve into creative scientific exploration. Attendees can look forward to crafting their own lava lamps, concocting magnetic slime, and building mini rockets. Additionally, the schedule includes playing augmented reality dodge-ball and witnessing the ever-popular 'Stories in the Stars' show within an inflatable planetarium, ensuring entertainment and education go hand in hand.
Event Locations and Dates
The festivities will unfold from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20, spanning multiple venues across Bassetlaw. Key locations include The Bridge Skills Hub in Worksop, Bassetlaw Museum in Retford, and Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall, making the events easily accessible to communities throughout the area.
Council Support and Community Engagement
Councillor Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place at Bassetlaw District Council, expressed enthusiasm for the festival, stating: "The Festival of Science and Curiosity is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages across Bassetlaw to get hands on with learning and discovery. We're proud to host events that spark imagination, celebrate creativity, and inspire future generations to explore the world around them. I'd encourage everyone to get involved and make the most of the exciting activities taking place in our district."
Additional Exciting Activities
Beyond the core events, the festival programme features a range of other stimulating activities. These include learning about cyber security through retro computer games, trying out 'engineering golf', exploring fusion power at the Fusion Energy Café, and uncovering the science behind recycling processes, offering something for every curious mind.
Partnerships and Programme Management
Megan Shore, Programme Manager at Ignite!, highlighted the festival's community focus, commenting: "We're excited to welcome families back to the festival this half-term with another packed programme of free events across Bassetlaw. By taking science out of the lab and into local venues, we're giving children the chance to explore, experiment and have fun and helping families enjoy something special together during the school holidays."
The festival has garnered significant support from a consortium of organisations, including UKAEA, Laing O'Rourke, Trelleborg, Veolia, GXO Logistics, South Yorkshire Police, Amazelabs, RNN Group, North Notts College, Active Communities, and the Universities of Sheffield and Nottingham, as well as Sheffield Hallam University and Nottingham Trent University, underscoring its importance in promoting STEM education locally.
