From circus performances, learning to HAKA, funfairs and face painting, to feeling a liver and discovering how the brain works; the sixth annual Community Day kicks off with a bang on Sunday 6 September on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.
The University is throwing open the doors of its beautiful, historic campus for the public to come and enjoy free events and activities throughout the day. Community Day allows people to see first-hand the pioneering research undertaken by academics at the University in a fun and light hearted way.
Highlights of this year’s Community Day include Stefan Gates, star of CBBC’s Incredible Eats, who returns for the second year running with ‘Gastronaut Live!’ a show which looks at the science behind the food we eat.
Narinder Dhami, author of ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ will be reading from her new book, children’s’ thriller ‘Thirteen Hours’, and asking guests to help design a publicity banner.
A life-sized animatronic T-Rex will be visiting to celebrate the ongoing redevelopment of the Lapworth Museum of Geology. The Lapworth team will also allow visitors to watch a live volcanic eruption, pan for gold and handle ancient fossils.
The Lapworth redevelopment has been funded through the Circles of Influence campaign which saw the University raise over £193 million to support campus redevelopment, student scholarships and ground-breaking research. A Circles of Influence ‘Thank You Trail’ will take place on Community Day, so visitors can discover how generous donations have transformed campus.
Rebecca Lewis, Events Manager, at the University of Birmingham said: ‘Our Community Day has been growing in popularity and scope since it started in 2010. Last year for our British Science Festival themed Community Day we welcomed over 10,000 visitors. This shows that it really is a great opportunity for everyone to explore our campus and see first-hand the impact of the University of Birmingham’s research.’
- Entry to Community Day is free to all visitors, including the University’s art gallery, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts; however there is a small charge of £1 for entry to Winterbourne House and Gardens. Entry to Stefan Gates in ‘Gastronaut Live’ is free but is offered on a first come first served basis on the day.
- Community Day takes place on Sunday 6 September from 11am until 4pm at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus. For further information and the programme please visit the website.
- For any media enquiries please contact Faye Jackson in the University of Birmingham Press Office on +44 (0)121 414 6029. For out of house enquiries please contact the duty press officer on +44 (0)7789921165