Fun at the mini science festival

MORE than 500 adults and children enjoyed a hands-on Mini Science Festival at the STFC Daresbury Laboratory.
The event, held in association with the NW branch of the British Science Association, showcased many areas of science. It aimed to inspire and inform people of all ages about how science shapes their world and the universe.
A variety of talks were given, including one by the BBC’s Meet the Ancestors archaeologist Julian Richards. There were interactive science experiments, the chance to handle snakes and reptiles and see birds of prey and view dramatic demonstrations.
Visitors could also tour Daresbury Laboratory’s ALICE (Accelerators and Lasers in Combined Experiments) prototype accelerator.
One visitor Julian Lee said: “I had a really great day and found out a lot about what happens at Daresbury and why science is so important.
“It was great to be able to ask scientists questions about the different things on display. The day really brought science to life for me – I even got to hold a huge albino Boa Constrictor. This was my first visit to the lab’s festival, but it won’t be my last.”
Tony Buckley, STFC Daresbury Laboratory’s head of communications said: “The Mini Science Festival brings together people from universities and science centres across the region and provides an opportunity to ‘show off’ science.
“It’s wonderful to see people, especially those still at school, inspired by hands-on science they can really interact with, by wonderful talks from excellent speakers and by the work that goes on at Daresbury Laboratory.”
A range of organisations took part in the event including the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the North West branch of the British Science Association and The Cockcroft Institute for Accelerator Science and Technology.
Pictured: Julian Richards from BBC’s Meet the Ancestors with children attending the festival.