02 October 2008

Fire tornado to launch science festival programme

A fire tornado will be lit today to launch the new programme for this year’s Manchester Science Festival, which is led by MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry). Scientists and science lovers will be flocking to Manchester during the festival, which runs from 25 October to 2 November, and includes a packed programme of over 100 science and technology-related events in venues across the city.

Trevor Baylis, inventor of the clockwork radio, cartoonist Martin Rowson and science fiction writer Stephen Baxter are amongst the high-profile speakers who will visit Manchester during the week of activities, which take place in museums, galleries, universities, bars and shopping centres.

Laura Drane, festival director said: “This year’s festival programme is packed with inspiring and fun science, technology and engineering events. The idea of the festival is to show that science affects all our lives and it’s a chance to meet scientists face-to-face. You can find out what goes on inside laboratories, and even have a go at doing some of your own experiments!”

Steve Davies, director of MOSI said: “MOSI is delighted to be leading the Manchester Science Festival again this year. Greater Manchester is well known for its role in pioneering major scientific achievements, many of which are showcased here at the Museum. During the festival our visitors can see live experiments, debate some of the hottest current issues in science today and look at how science influences literature, art and sport. Please do come along and join in the fun!”

From understanding our fears and phobias, to debating the very latest medical advances, to the science of the perfect free kick, and alien hunting in Didsbury, the festival aims to inspire everyone to learn about science and encourage more people to consider careers in science and technology. There will be dramatic chemistry and physics demonstrations, interactive science with a little art thrown in - courtesy of the Science Butlers, and ‘environmental music’ from recycled objects.

The Manchester Science Festival is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and is now in its second year. The Festival includes a comprehensive education programme in schools, as well as fun family activities around the city.

George Baxter, NWDA Director of Science and Innovation, said:
 “Science and innovation is at the heart of the NWDA’s vision to build and sustain a knowledge based economy in England’s Northwest.  Getting young people interested in science and encouraging them to take up the subject at higher education level is vital to achieving this.  The Agency is delighted to once again support the Manchester Science Festival, which we hope will help to encourage young people to consider science as a career and inspire the next generation of budding scientists.”

All events in the Festival are related to four themes:
• ‘Manchesticity' - the city's endeavours, achievements, people, places and ideas.
• Mind & Body – includes activities and topics about our brains and brawn
• Planet - explores our impact on and use of the earth, and our discoveries in space.
• Elements – atoms; earth, wind, water, fire; and of course, the weather!

In 2007 the festival events were held in 31 venues across Greater Manchester and attracted an audience of over 50,000 people.

For more information about the Manchester Science Festival please look up www.manchestersciencefestival.com

The fire tornado (see below for explanation) will be lit at 11am, Thursday 2 October at MOSI. For media information or photos please contact Sarah Roe Tel: 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647 or look up www.mosi.org.uk 

Notes to editors

• A fire tornado is created when a rotating cylinder causes air molecules to spin and they collide with hot air rising from a flame. This creates a vortex as the flame whirls up to make a tornado effect.