Free festival of discovery returns to Bristol 24 – 25 September

With a variety of science, history and arts events taking place over the weekend both in person and online, there is something for anyone interested in exploring the past, creating the present or imagining the future.

Futures2021 is a collaboration between Universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Bath Spa University as part of European Researchers Night.

The celebrations begin on Friday 24 September when for one night only, you will be able to meet scientists, engineers and historians on the grounds of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s historic ship, the S.S. Great Britain. Visitors can have a go at a range of hands-on activities and interactive trails to help us discover how Brunel’s legacy can help us to understand the way we live today at this free event for the whole family.

The SS Great Britain is also the venue for a programme of Discovery Talks throughout the two days where researchers will share the latest innovations and discoveries being made across arts, humanities, science, and engineering at the University of Bristol. Check out the website for the full programme.

EU Futures 2019 Events, Bristol

The ‘Big Family Quiz’ is back where you can pit your wits against researchers across the South West with rounds on science, history, geography and more, all inspired by some of the region’s most exciting research. It all takes place online which means you can join the fun wherever you are.

Over in Bath you can join Test Tubes and Time Travel, a digital, location-based tour, where a mysterious visitor from the year 2164 will guide you around the city to discover more about the scientific pioneers whose work laid the foundations for the greatest invention of all time.

EU Futures 2019 Events, Bristol

Or if comedy is your thing then University of Bath’s online event ‘Science Show-off; is for you. Expect an evening of fun, laughter and some science know-how as comedian Dr Steve Cross comperes an evening of riotous stand-up delivered by some of the funniest scientists around!

There are also loads of activities available online throughout the weekend and beyond.
All the events are completely free but you will need tickets.

Dr Joel Morley, Futures2021 project manager, University of Bristol said: “Futures2021brings research to life not just in Bristol and the South West, but across Europe as part of the wider event funded by the European Commission.

“Here in the South West we are a hub for outstanding EU research and innovation and we are excited that we can bring this to Bath with our events, both in person and online.

“We want to show how research is making our daily lives better and encourage young people to consider a career in research.”

FUTURES2021 has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101036029. To find out more and get your tickets visit www.futuresnight.co.uk