Best from the fest
It was a really fantastic and worthwhile experience. For me there’s nothing like going to another festival. Seeing all these brilliant and passionate science communicators up on the stage is really inspiring, for most this is what they do in their spare time which, when you think about it, really takes some doing. They do it because they love it, and that’s what makes science festival’s so special, they host so many people trying to engage others in what they love, and that’s where the buzz comes from.
I saw some amazing shows and met some amazing people. Highlights included watching Stefan Gates cause a frenzy for chicken hearts during his family show, I wonder if the stampede of children to get to these ‘chicken nuggets’ featured in the risk assessment! I also saw an awe inspiring show about autism featuring artists and scientists, and the talent that stems from having the disorder, which definitely gave me food for thought. I saw the Echo of Creation by Andrew Pontzen, I highly recommend going to see one of his shows, he’s funny, engaging and very accessible.
Taking part in a seance with Richard Wiseman was definitely the star of the programme for me. Participating in a seance conducted by a Psychologist at a Science Festival is a very odd experience as you know it’s all smoke and mirrors, but I am still puzzled by how he did it. This is definitely one for the list for 2012.
Cheltenham know how to party, a big thank you to them for their hospitality. It was great to see all those fantastic people again and as a result we have some really brilliant things in the pipeline for next year. Let the good times roll!