The University of Birmingham’s Community Day returns this year with a scientific theme to celebrate the British Science Festival.
The fifth annual Community Day takes place on Sunday 7 September and sees the University open its doors to allow visitors to explore the campus and enjoy hundreds of free activities, from face painting, climbing walls and archaeological digs to building your own dinosaur.
Highlights of this year’s Community Day include CBBC star Stefan Gates presenting a show packed full of wild food adventures and inspiring, explosive science. Be prepared to investigate flatulent cow gas, flame throwing using custard powder and biofuel rockets on an exciting interactive adventure exploring the science behind the food that we eat!
Alice Roberts, Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham, will give a lecture on The Art of Anatomy. The lecture will look at how illustration has been used as a crucial part of anatomical knowledge since the 16th century, how the relationship between art and science has changed, and the effect of the advent of modern technology.
The University’s unique heritage attractions Winterbourne House and Garden, the Lapworth Museum and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts are all open and will be running workshops and activities throughout the day. Activities include panning for gold and virtual palaeontology at the Lapworth and building your own rocket at the Barber Institute.
Rebecca Lewis, Events Manager at the University of Birmingham, said: “Our annual Community Day has been popular since it started in 2010. It is a great opportunity for people to come along and explore the campus, and find out what the University is doing with the local community. Examples of the University’s exciting research will also be on display. This year we are joining forces with the British Science Festival, so there will be plenty of science-themed events and activities for the family to enjoy.”
- Community Day takes place on Sunday 7 September from 11:00 – 16:00. For further information please visit the Community Day page.
- Entry to Community Day is free to all visitors, although there will be a small charge of £1 for Winterbourne House and Gardens. British Science Festival events at Community Day are all free of charge, but booking is required to secure a place; this includes Stefan Gates and Alice Roberts. Please visit the British Science Festival website to book your free place.
- For media enquiries, please contact Faye Jackson in the University of Birmingham Press Office on +44 (0)121 414 6029. For out of hours enquiries please contact the University of Birmingham Press Office, or call +44 (0)7789 921 165.