Anglia Ruskin University: ARU to host science extravaganza in Chelmsford

Anglia Ruskin University is to host its first Chelmsford Science Festival later this year, following on from the success of the British Science Festival in the city last year.

The Chelmsford Science Festival will take place from 12-15 October 2022 and feature a range of free talks, workshops, exhibitions and events, both on ARU’s Chelmsford campus and around the city centre.

The festival will be an annual event in the city, and this year will commemorate 100 years of British radio broadcasting. Chelmsford is known worldwide as the “Birthplace of Radio” having been home to the first wireless factory founded by Guglielmo Marconi.

On Friday, 14 October, school pupils from Years 9-13 will be invited to the festival, with the opportunity to participate in talks and practical activities. Local employers and careers advice charities will also be invited to participate in an exhibition-style hub.

The festival will conclude with a Family Science Day on Saturday, 15 October, offering fun and fulfilling activities for those 18 and under and their families. ARU ran a hugely successful family day at the end of the British Science Festival in September, which attracted around 5,000 visitors.

Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:

“It was a great privilege to hold the British Science Festival here in September. Its popularity demonstrated a huge appetite for science in Chelmsford and beyond, and The Chelmsford Science Festival will provide an opportunity for people to discover even more and contribute to the social and cultural wellbeing in the city and beyond.

“It also provides another opportunity for ARU to offer our world-leading facilities for the benefit of the communities we serve.”