THE Otley Science Festival returns this November, offering a week packed with exciting events that celebrate the wonders of science.
Running from Sunday, November 10th, to Saturday, November 16th, the festival is filled with family-friendly shows, interactive talks, and hands-on experiences that promise to spark curiosity in people of all ages.
Kicking off on Sunday, The Magical Mr West invites families on an incredible adventure into the world of science. With the help of his corvid companion, Crowbert, this fun-filled show blends magic, science, and plenty of laughs to introduce young minds to the mysteries of the natural world. That evening, Otley Science Festival are teaming up with Otley Film Society for a special screening of the 1951 sci-fi classic, The Day The Earth Stood Still, a thrilling tale of extra-terrestrial life with a message about humanity’s need for peace.
The festival continues with a variety of events throughout the week. Under-fives can get a head start at the Early Explorers Stay & Play session on Monday, November 11th at Otley Children’s Centre, where they’ll discover the wonders of science through sensory play.
On Wednesday, the Science Café returns to the Courthouse, offering a relaxed setting where experts present bite-sized talks on a range of topics. You’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers, ask questions, and take part in lively discussions, all while enjoying a drink from the bar.
For beer lovers, Thursday evening brings a unique opportunity to explore the science behind brewing at Ilkley Brewery. Join them on a journey into the chemistry and craft of beer-making, with a chance to sample some of their award-winning brews.
Friday welcomes two fascinating talks. Prof. Dr. Helena Daffern will unravel the secrets of the human voice in The Science of Singing, using live demonstrations to explain the complex processes behind voice production. Later, Dame Prof. Jane Francis will take us on a journey to an ancient Antarctica in ‘When Antarctica Was Green’, revealing how fossilised plants show that this icy land was once a lush, green forest - and what this means for our climate today.
The festival culminates on Saturday, November 16th, with the popular Family Science Fair at the Courthouse. From physics to biology, engineering to wildlife, visitors can explore interactive stalls, try out experiments, and discover the latest in local and regional science. That evening, Rashik Parmar, CEO of the British Computer Society, will close the festival with a talk on AI, Technology Evolution, and Ethics, exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence and the ethical considerations shaping our future.
With something for everyone, Otley Science Festival 2024 promises a week of wonder, exploration, and inspiration.
All events, except Monday’s Early Explorers, will be held at Otley Courthouse with tickets available from the Courthouse in person and on line (visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk, call the box office on 01943 467466 or pop into the Courthouse on Courthouse Street, Otley, LS21 3AN).
For more details visit otleysciencefestival.co.uk or otleycourthouse.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here