expect this year? LINK CULTURE

Bookings are open for a programme of spectacular shows, thought-provoking talks and inspiring panels, covering everything from how we’ll live on Mars, to the science of farts!

Tickets for under 18s are free for all talks and shows, but under 16s must always be accompanied by an adult ticketholder.

This year’s schedule of events includes:

• Rude Science

BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ explosive new 2023 show reveals everything you always wanted to know about the revolting (but vital) science that no-one ever talks about. Expect zits, burps, farts, snot, scabs, pee, vomit, snot, blood, sweat and tears, all brought to life with stunts, rockets, fart machines, sneeze machines and enormous bottoms.

• The Dangerous Science Show

Festival favourites Wonderstruck return with their most dangerous show of all! The Dangerous Science Show examines the impact that our ability to use the energy of expanding gases has had on human civilisation. This show contains some of their most dangerous demos, from the Burning Bed of Nails to the Fire Axe Pendulum and even the Exploding Helmet of Pain!

• How to Live on Mars!

Humans will soon make their first trip to Mars. How will we get there? What challenges will you have to overcome and what spectacular sights await the successful? In a talk packed full of stunning visuals and the latest scientific thinking, astronomer and author, Dr Colin Stuart will take you on a journey to the Red Planet to witness the majesty of a Martian sunset.

• How to build a star? Can fusion energy save us?

As the world races to find a way to produce the energy we need without burning fossil fuels, solar, wind and nuclear fission dominate most of the debate. But the promise of clean, safe, limitless power from fusion feels tantalisingly close, but still out of reach. BBC science journalist, Roland Pease, gets straight to the crux of the challenge, to ask if we’re really going to get there.

• Can flying machines be part of a Green future?

From Hybrid electric planes to ion-powered drones inspired by Star Trek, the challenge is on to find the technologies to power the future of flight. Roland Pease takes on the future of flight in the last of his Big Questions series.

• Wild Isles and The People’s Plan for Nature

How do we mobilise a generation to take action for nature? Join us for a behind the scenes look at Wild Isles, a new national broadcast focused on UK nature, and the People’s Plan for Nature - new initiatives being delivered in partnership between RSPB, National Trust and WWF - UK.

• Science of Sport

From keeping elite athletes at peak performance, to getting the best from our own bodies, science is at the heart of modern sport. Swindon 105.5 presenter

Ayaan Jami quizzes a former international rugby player, a sports science researcher, and tries out some brain-scanning tech being trialled to tackle sports concussions.

As well as the schedule of events found to the left of this page, there will be free half-term activities held across the town.

Don’t miss the chance to see SUN – a breathtaking 6M wide representation of our closest star, which will be installed at Steam – Museum of the Great Western Railway between Tuesday 12 and Sunday 18 February. A collaboration between British artist Alex Rinsler and leading solar physicist Professor Robert Walsh, SUN uses a moving digital projection to present data from NASA’s Solar Dynamic Observatory in 360° with smoke effects to mimic the sun’s outer atmosphere

The cosmic art theme continues as Swindon artist Harrie Dearing illuminates the Small Pool at the Health Hydro with a unique immersive art installation, Stories Written in the Stars, and an Augmented Reality space trail will take people around the town centre.

Words by Jessica Durston