Sidmouth Science Festival has unveiled its programme for 2024, offering a wide range of talks and activities for all ages, designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of science.

Running from October 4 to 13 this year’s festival promises ten days of engaging events that aim to educate, inspire, and showcase the vital role of science in our daily lives.

Super Science Saturday takes place on 5 October, a free family day packed with interactive activities and talks, promising an exciting day of scientific exploration for all ages. Participants can complete the dinosaur card and also have a go at the town centre chemical element treasure hunt.

Throughout the festival, attendees can look forward to a variety of talks covering a wide range of subjects, including artificial intelligence, health, biodiversity and the Science in the Pub session.

The popular Robot Day returns on 12 October with many different robot and remote-control hands-on activities and experiences.

In Kennaway House, local schoolchildren will showcase their creativity with an art display themed around ‘What We Throw Away’, highlighting environmental issues through their artwork.

The festival will also feature a screening of the documentary film, Six Inches of Soil, which explores innovative farming practices. This will be followed by a panel discussion with four Devon-based farmers and food producers, offering insights into sustainable agriculture.

The festival concludes with a family day at the famous Norman Lockyer Observatory. Build and launch your own rocket, explore the wonders of the telescopes, join a fascinating planetarium show, build and race a jet car and join in with storytelling sessions. (Children go free, adults £10.)

The festival highlights the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) fields, illustrating their importance in many aspects of our world. With a strong emphasis on making science accessible, the festival features activities that cater to both enthusiasts and those who may not typically engage with scientific topics.

Sponsorship means most events are free of charge. Donations are welcome to cover all costs and sustain the festival for the future and can be made on the day or via the website.

Festival marketing co-ordinator, Sheila Meades said: “We are delighted to present this year’s programme which we believe offers something for everyone. The planning team has carefully designed events to ensure that those who are not usually inclined towards science will find something engaging and informative. From hands-on activities to thought-provoking discussions, our aim is to make science accessible and enjoyable for all participants.”

For full details of all the events and booking where required, visit the Sidmouth Science Festival website