The eighth Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity runs from 6 February to 17 February and in various locations around the district.

The annual event is supported by a free festival magazine which is delivered to schools and education providers across the district and is packed full of puzzles, the list of events taking place and more.

Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “This festival is a brilliant initiative, and the council is proud to support this once again. We hope with the jam-packed list of activities planned this year; we can bring science to life in a way that will fire the imaginations of local children in living rooms, kitchens and back gardens around the district.

“As a former teacher, I know the importance of offering our children and young people a creative environment so they can learn new skills and flourish. We hope to see some of these sparks of enjoyment ignite with the school and district activities. This could be the starting point for some children to explore STEM subjects later in life.

“Providing opportunities for our children and young people in STEM is also part of the council’s theme of aspiration to retain skills in the district.”

The festival is organised by Ignite!, a Nottingham-based charity, which works with schools, youth groups and communities, to develop children’s curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects in a creative and fun way.

The events happening in and around Mansfield district are as follows:

• 9 & 10 February 2023
  • What: Vision West Notts College Robotics in Schools
  • Where: Mansfield Primary Schools
• 7 to 10 February 2023
  • What: Home Zero for schools
  • Time: 10am to 3pm
  • Where: Mansfield Museum
• 11 February 2023
  • What: Art Science Workshop
  • Time: 10.30am to 12pm
  • Where: Blidworth Library
• 11 February 2023
  • What: Science Fun Day drop-in
  • Time: 10am to 2pm
  • Where: Mansfield Library
• 14 to 18 February 2023
  • What: Home Zero Exhibition
  • Time: 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday
  • Where: Mansfield Museum
• 14 February 2023
  • What: Local author Adrian Beeden for readings of his children’s book, Alfred in Space
  • Time: 10.30am, 11.15am and 12pm
  • Where: Mansfield Museum
• 15 February 2023
  • What: Build your own robot workshop
  • Times: 10am to 3pm
  • Where: Mansfield Museum
• 15 February 2023
  • What: Trading Standard technology activity drop-in
  • Time: 10am to 3pm
  • Where: Mansfield Museum
• 16 February 2023
  • What: Lego Day – build a space rocket or astronaut
  • Time: 10am to 3pm
  • Where: Mansfield Museum
• 16 to 17 February 2023
  • What: FOOD Club Science Busking
  • Where: Various Food Clubs – opening times at www.mansfield.gov.uk/foodsupport
• 17 February 2023
  • What: Sherwood Observatory star and space-themed activities
  • Time: 10am to 3pm
  • Where: Mansfield Museum

Megan Shore, programme activity co-ordinator for Ignite!, added: “We’re delighted to bring the festival back for its eighth year and this year’s programme is going to be bigger than ever. We’ve put together a brilliant line-up of events and hands-on activities from live shows and science fun days, to robot building, an inflatable planetarium and much more!

“With the increased cost of living putting pressure on many families, it has been really important for us to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality, fun educational events at little or no cost to families during the half-term break. The majority of our events are free for families to enjoy and we hope they will be inspired by our exciting programme this year.

“We’re also thrilled to be running another year of activity in partnership with the council and to extend our offering into the FOOD clubs, giving as many families as possible a chance to engage in science-related activities and spark their interest in STEM for the future.”

See http://nottsfosac.co.uk/ for full details and booking links. Follow the Festival of Science and Curiosity on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.