UCLan’s Preston campus welcomed 5,000 science enthusiasts for the return of an award-winning festival last weekend.

Held on Saturday 23 October, the free Lancashire Science Festival aims to teach young people about the real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine.

The popular event, returning after a two-year absence due to Covid-19, held shows, workshops, exhibits and hands-on activities.

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Betty Flynn-Givens from Kendal took part in the make you own lip balm, Chinese pottery workshops and attended the Zoolab talk.

The eight-year-old said: “I’ve really enjoyed being able to hold lots of different animals, like a snake, giant snail and giant cockroach, plus make a mess in the hands-on session when making a lip balm and bright blue body cream.”

Joshua Boulton, from Poulton-le-Fylde and his mum, Victoria, were among the returning visitors.

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The six-year-old, who was attending his third Lancashire Science Festival, said: “I loved holding a piece of a meteorite and really enjoyed making models out of Playdoh in the pottery class.”

Some of the highlights included Ensonglopedia, which covered what it means to be human, and Perspectricks saw science magician Matt Pritchard share optical illusions.

Mathew Tosh dazzled the audiences with his Pyrotrickery show, The Blowfish returned with his popular Heavy Metal Marine Biology show, and David Hall offered his Mathmagics event.

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Dad Neil Hutchinson from Lancaster attended with his five-year-old son Harry.

Neil said: “It’s great he can get so hands-on as he’s learning so much through playing with lots of the different stands.”

The interactive show floors proved popular with youngsters across many interactive, hands-on exhibits.

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Dr Liz Granger, Lancashire Science Festival Director, said: “It was fantastic to see thousands of smiling children and happy families back on our Preston Campus for the return of the Lancashire Science Festival.

“Our festival always provides a great selection of science, engineering, technology, maths and medicine inspired shows, workshops and drop-in activities, which appeal to all ages. During the last 19 months, everyone has seen first-hand how vitally important these areas are to our daily lives.

“It’s been a real team effort to return for our ninth year, with contributions from staff, students, volunteers, sponsors, regional businesses and organisations. To know thousands of people have left feeling enthused about science is absolutely wonderful.”

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