Swindon’s Brunel Shopping Centre is once again joining forces with the Festival of Tomorrow to offer a week of free, family-friendly activities during the February half-term.
Running daily from 10am to 4pm, Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February, the interactive events will take place downstairs in The Brunel, near Boots. They form part of Swindon’s annual Festival of Tomorrow, which celebrates science, technology and the arts, with this year’s theme, ‘Living in the Future’.
The programme begins on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February with ‘Invent, Build and Imagine’. Children can try their hand at a bridge-building challenge with Sarah Cosgriff, learning about the physics behind strong structures, while artist and space science educator Helen Schell leads the ‘Invent the Future’ moon mission workshop. This drop-in session encourages youngsters to combine art and science as they design their own ideas for a future lunar colony.
On Wednesday 18 February, the focus turns to the ‘Science of Sound’. Interactive ‘science busking’ from Noisy Toys will demonstrate acoustics using upcycled materials, while DJ Morgan Thomas hosts drop-in workshops giving children the chance to learn the basics of DJ skills and music production.
Thursday 19 February explores the natural world with ‘Bugs and Beasties’. Children can learn about insects before creating their own artwork with illustrator Marian Hill. The day also includes ‘Be a Superhero for our Seas’ with Marine Mumbles, an interactive art-based session highlighting the role of marine life in tackling climate change.
The week concludes on Friday 20 February with the ever-popular ‘Slime Sensation Station’. Hosted by Devon Science, this hands-on chemistry workshop allows children to make and personalise their own slime to take home.
Louise Halliday, Head of Programming and Outreach for the Festival of Tomorrow, said: “Families have told us how valuable it is to have free activities they can enjoy together in the town centre. We’re thrilled to be back at The Brunel, which is such a great space for the local community.”
Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director at FI Real Estate Management, said:
“The Festival of Tomorrow helps engage young people and families with science and technology. Offering these activities for free gives parents a hands-on option in the town centre and helps inspire curiosity in the next generation.”
More information about events at The Brunel and across Swindon can be found at www.festivaloftomorrow.com.
