UK’s largest celebration of #STEM The Big Bang Fair, announces new series of regional events

#BigBangFair

Schools and families will have the chance to be inspired by scientists and engineers on their doorstep with a new series of regional events announced today by the organisers of The Big Bang Fair, the country’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people.

Last year the Big Bang Near Me programme welcomed over 160,000 students and included more than 900 organisations. Next year’s events, which will take place across the UK in over 60 schools and at events in Derby, Exeter, Haywards Heath, Hull, Liverpool, London and Belfast, provide a chance for young people and educators to meet STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) professionals working locally, get an insight into exciting jobs and experience an inspiring day out.

While every Fair is different and tailored to the region where it takes place, attendees will have the chance to experience exciting demonstrations and exhibitions, like mind-bending science and maths magic tricks, explosive and colourful chemistry, the engineering and technology behind virtual reality, how scientists and engineers are tackling the climate emergency and much more.

Phillip McShane, Head of Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair, said:

“We’re thrilled to announce a new programme of regional events and Fairs for young people and educators to experience the joy of The Big Bang Fair across the country.

“The regional events are a great source of STEM inspiration for young people and give visitors, their teachers and parents a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on with lots of different activities, workshops and shows, and engage in meaningful career conversations with professionals. All of this is designed to bring classroom learning to life and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

The Big Bang Near Me programme also provides an entry route for The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition, which is supported by GSK. The Fairs host the regional heats of the Competition from which some of the winners progress to the Finals, which are held in Birmingham as part of the Big Bang UK Fair in March each year.

Big Bang Near Me is UK-wide programme of events that distil the wonder, interactivity and inspiration of the UK Fair to showcase STEM careers to even more young people nationwide. The programme is driven by regional delivery partners working collaboratively with education and business and reaches thousands of young people each year with STEM careers inspiration.

The programme includes regional Big Bang fairs held across the UK, many of which host regional heats of The Big Bang Competition and smaller events are held in schools and the community.

Delivery Partners who will be leading regional events in 2020 are listed below with more to follow:

7) University of Ulster – Sentinus

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK. Taking place from 11-14 March 2020 at The NEC in Birmingham, The Big Bang Fair is an award-winning combination of exciting theatre shows, interactive workshops and exhibits and careers information from STEM professionals. Having grown from 6,500 visitors in its first year (2009) to 80,000 in 2019, The Big Bang Fair is made possible through the collaborative efforts of over 100 organisations.