Bradford Science Festival

Bradford Science Festival Family Half Term

WHEN: 27 May – 2 June

Get hands-on and make a chromotrope, see things close up in our microscope demonstration, and explore the illuminating world of light in our science show.

Bradford Science Festival Big Family Weekend

WHEN: 3–4 June

Our family weekend brings you a jam-packed programme of exciting activities and experiences.

Get moving with workshops and a new interactive installation by acclaimed choreographer Corey Baker, make your own Orion spacecraft to take home, learn about some incredible science in our interactive shows, meet our giant puppets and more.

We’ll also have lots of hands-on activities from University of Bradford, Bradford Museums and Galleries, Spongetree, University of Leeds and more fantastic partners.

Bradford Science Festival Community Days

Later in the summer, the festival will be popping up in community venues across Bradford. Join us on these dates in August for more surprising science:

• Monday 14 August at Womenzone
• Thursday 17 August at SHINE West Bowling
• Saturday 19 August at MAPA Cultural Arts Centre
• Tuesday 22 August at Laisterdyke Youth and Community Centre

Activities

Activities at Bradford Science Festival will include:

TO THE MOON AND BACK

Building the Orion with Future Transformation

Watch in amazement and learn the secrets of space travel as we build a replica of the Orion spacecraft, used by NASA to take humankind to the moon and capture images of outer space. After the show, how about making your own miniature Orion to take home?

FUTURE OF MONEY (BANK OF ENGLAND)

What is money and what gives it value? From feathers and shells to mobile phones—join the Bank of England to find out how the way we pay for things has changed over time.

THE INTERNET REVEALED (EXA FOUNDATION)

This interactive STEM show will help you understand the early beginnings of the Internet and the need to remain hidden from view, and demonstrate the amazing powers hidden within the Internet.

THE WORLD OF IBN AL-HAYTHAM (1001 INVENTIONS)

Learn the fascinating story of a brave young scientist from 11th-century Arabia in this short film from 1001 Inventions. Ibn Al-Haytham embarks on a quest to uncover ancient mysteries that would change our world forever.

GLOBAL GROOVES

Groove along with Bollywood stars and take flight with an Indian Roller Bird. Our giant puppets will take the festival fun to new heights, accompanied by the infectious energy of live drumming.

CURIOSITY, THE LASER AND ME

Join Liberty Arts for this exciting show about the pioneering life of African American ophthalmologist Patricia Bath and her contributions to the field of medicine.

MICROSCOPIC WORLDS

Learn about microscopic, intergalactic and archaeological hidden worlds with researchers from the University of Bradford. 

Accessible events

Relaxed hour

Join us for a quieter experience of Bradford Science Festival on Saturday 3 June.

More information about our Relaxed Hour.

BSL interpretation

We will have a BSL interpreter who will be interpreting our shows and activities at the following times:

Thursday 1 June

• 12.30 – Corey Baker Dance movement workshop, Gallery 1
• 13.00–13.45 – Periscope make-and-take activity, Gallery 2
• 14.00–14.30 – Bodies in Space demo, Gallery 1
• 15.00–15.30 – Light It Up! science show, Wonderlab Studio

Saturday 3 June

• 12.00–12.20 – Corey Baker Dance movement session, Gallery 1
• 13.00–13.30 – Curiosity, the Laser and Me show, Wonderlab studio
• 14.00–14.30 – Flux Dance Moving Planets workshop, Gallery 1
• 15.00–16.00 – The Story of David Attenborough storytelling and activity, Makespace
• 16.30–15.00 – Light It Up! science show, Wonderlab Studio

Sunday 4 June

• 13.00–13.20 – Corey Baker Dance movement session, Gallery 1
• 14.00–14.30 – To the Moon and Back presentation, Gallery 2
• 14.00–14.15 – Follow the Signs show, Gallery 1
• 15.00–15.15 – Follow the Signs show, Gallery 1
• 15.20–15.30 – Q&A with Chris Fonseca and Harry Jardine, Gallery 1
• 15.30–16.00 – To the Moon and Back presentation, Gallery 2