Dalek set to storm Windermere Science Festival!

By John Freeman on April 19, 2024 • ( 0 )

Windermere Science Festival returns to Bowness-on-Windermere next month, over the weekend of 11th – 12th My 2024 – and a Dalek will be on the prowl to keep attendees in order!

Trundling alongside some top scientists from around the UK at Windermere Jetty Museum, watch out for “Dalek Two Zero”, a type of pepperpot peril seen in action the 1960s Doctor Who-inspired feature film Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150AD, who will be keeping visitors in order – and a “Roboman” will be with it, too.

Apparently, their mission is to enslave the human population. So look out! There will be plenty of interactive fun, and you may even be able to speak with the voice of a Dalek…

In terms of real science at this year’s popular Festival (as opposed to what the Dalek may try to tell you), catch Dr Anna Ploszajski in a talk entitled “A Material Odyssey“offering an exploration of the material world from the sub-atomic to the sublime; and find out more about “The Science of Flavour” with food scientist Dr Duncan Gaskin, a former research scientist who worked at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich, for a fascinating interactive talk, where he may misdirect your sense of taste. Would you eat blue baked beans?

Plus, the National Graphene Institute based at Manchester University will bring their Nobel Prize winning Graphene to the festival, and there’s the opportunity to learn all about the physical world from the best in the business at the Institute of Physics.

If you like chaos, chemistry, and vast amounts of fun, then a show from Professor Pumpernickel is for you; or you can take a Canoe Safari, and venture onto Lake Windermere with freshwater ecologist Dr. Ellie Mackay; or make a Windermere-worthy cardboard boat and then paddle it on the lake! Plus, “The Little Float“, the festival’s famous paper boat race returns.

Do you know your sodium from your sherbert? The Royal Society of Chemistry will deliver engaging and fun activities for all the family, and “The Science Viking” will bring his unique take on all things viking science!

"Poisoners Dinner" with Dr Kathryn Harkup, best-selling author of A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie

And if that’s not enough for you, how about attending a “Poisoners Dinner” with Dr Kathryn Harkup, best-selling author of A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, who will shine a light on the science used by the Queen of Crime. Enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and learn about the chemicals Christie used to kill off her characters!

So, get ready for intriguing discoveries, inspiring talks, engaging exhibitions, cutting-edge research and lots of family fun!

Windermere Science Festival is generously funded this year by Lakeland Arts, through their relationship with Arts Council England.

• More information about Windermere Science Museum 2024 at windermeresciencefestival.org | Facebook | Instagram | X

• Book your tickets here from Lakeland Arts

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John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.