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16 minute drive from Sidmouth. For 2020 the festival will be a mix of virtual and live events,…
Sidmouth has been playing host to its own Science Festival for over five years and with each year, the event grows in popularity. The festivals each follow a new theme and feature activities and workshops for families of all ages to get involved with. Having started out as a weekend event in 2012, it now runs across ten days, is aimed at all ages and many of the events are free, meaning everyone can join in!
So whatever scientific field you’re interested in, make sure to visit the Sidmouth Science Festival for hours of entertaining talks and workshops covering everything from dinosaurs to rockets, lights to weather and even jet cars!
The Science Festival takes place in October every year and the week long event incorporates Ada Lovelace Day, an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, where eminent female scientists travel to Sidmouth to talk about their work and the impact it has on the wider world. If this wasn’t enough, there are projects and demonstrations taking place in schools, colleges and venues throughout the town, allowing for those that like serious science talks and fun hands on activities alike.
One venue that hosts workshops and events is the Norman Lockyer Observatory, which has stood in the town since the 1900s. The building takes its name from Norman Lockyer, an amateur astronomer who, during the Victorian era, discovered the element Helium and was one of the founders of a popular science journal. Throughout his long and varied career, he became director of the Solar Physics Observatory in South Kensington, London and was the first professor in Astronomical Physics in what is now the Royal College of Science. He was knighted in 1897 and retired to Sidmouth, where the observatory now stands. The Norman Lockyer Observatory allows guests and locals to continue to take part in amateur astronomics. The observatory contains several historic and modern telescopes as well as a planetarium and plenty of other fascinating exhibits, making it the perfect venue for the annual Science Festival.
Throughout its run, Sidmouth Science Festival has attracted a wide range of fascinating scientists who come to the town to run workshops and give talks in their chosen fields. In 2018, Sidmouth’s science fans welcomed Professor Graeme Stephens FRS from the NASA Centre for Climate Science as well as Professor Iain Stewart and Marty Jopson. In 2019, guests included Dame Julia Slingo FRS and De Adam Rutherford alongside a host of fun workshops and activities including visiting local breweries and wineries to see science in real life, bat identification evenings and Family Fun Days where you can take part in interactive science experiments. One of the most popular activities from previous festivals has been the Interactive Science Trail which takes place along Sidmouth seafront, allowing you to enjoy the town’s historic regency feel, a day at the beach and the fun of science all at the same time!
Can’t make it to this year’s Festival? Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean your trip to Sidmouth has to be free of scientific discovery and discussion. Throughout the year, the team behind the Science Festival run the Café Scientifique, which meets once a month to listen to speakers from the world of science.
Find out more about Sidmouth Science Festival including the latest programme, dates and venues online at sidmouthsciencefestival.org
Number of results: 21
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Talk or Lecture
Exmouth
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Major Event
LYME REGIS
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Film
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
This is a special pre-release screening of a film shot in Dorset with a mainly local cast and crew, including a Q&A with its director. It…
Festival
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
*THIS EVENT IS RESCHEDULED TO FRI 02-SAT 03 APRIL 2021 - please save the date!!*
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Music
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Dave Cousin's legendary band originate from the 60s and traverse rock, folk, bluegrass, and prog. Former members include Sandy Denny,…
Animal/Wildlife
Exmouth Marina, Exmouth
27 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Join us travelling at a relaxing pace as we sail along Exeter Canal, sit back and soak up the scenery, watch the locks come to life, the…
Music
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
We're delighted to welcome the Ivor Novello award-winning singer songwriter for a very special solo concert.
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Concert
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19 minute drive from Sidmouth.
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Music
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
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Animal/Wildlife
Exmouth Marina, Exmouth
27 minute drive from Sidmouth
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Festival
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28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
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Festival
Sidmouth
Sidmouth Folk Week is a unique week-long seaside celebration of music, dance and song taking place in the charming East Devon regency coastal resort – a must in every…
Carnival
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28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
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Performance
Lyme Regis
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
CANCELLED - But please save the date for 27-30 August 2021!!
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Festival
Budleigh Salterton
16 minute drive from Sidmouth.
For 2020 the festival will be a mix of virtual and live events, depending on restrictions.
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Walking
Sidmouth
Sidmouth has some wonderful scenic walking both coastal and inland.
Join us for a fabulous week of free guided walks; discover the wonderful scenic coastal walking of…
Community
Sidmouth
Meet on Saturday mornings. 10am - 12 midday. New volunteers welcome. Please call Kati on 07817 041239, email FOTByes@ gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.
Show/Display
Ottery St Mary
14 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Every year, for reasons lost in antiquity, the Flaming Tar Barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary to the delight of…
Participatory Event
Lyme Regis
28 minute drive from Sidmouth
Have fun discovering Lyme Regis with two, quirky, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt. Buy in booklet or instant download format.…
Guided Walk
Lyme Regis
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Jurassic Gems guided fossil walks, times vary according to the tide. Booking essential.
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