Robots, rockets, and revelry: Popular Nottinghamshire science festival returns this half-term
Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity marks a decade of discovery
- Free family events this February half-term
- 50+ engaging activities across 45+ venues
- An accessible and inclusive celebration of science for children and their families
Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity (FOSAC) is back, bringing a week of free, hands-on science activities for young people and families this February half-term.
Showcasing science in all its forms, the Festival aims to provide families with a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of science in a fun, engaging, and accessible way.
This year marks a significant milestone for the Festival, as it celebrate 10 incredible years of sparking curiosity, and inspiring young minds across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Since its launch in 2015, FOSAC has inspired over 55,500 guests, collaborated with more than 200 schools, and delivered nearly 450 awe-inspiring events. This enduring success reflects its vital role in making science exciting and inclusive for young people.
FOSAC is produced by Nottingham-based education charity Ignite!, with support from a wide range of festival network organisations.
Megan Shore, Programme Manager at Ignite! commented:
“Our mission is to spark curiosity and give families — especially those with limited access to STEM activities — a chance to enjoy hands-on experiences that make science fun and engaging.
We’re thrilled to celebrate 10 wonderful years of inspiring children and young people across our region and can’t wait to bring joy and inspiration to budding young scientists and their families once again.”
This year's festival spans across 45 venues, with over 50 free events all brought to life by a passionate community of experts from local universities, and STEM-based industries.
Visitors can explore a wide range of engaging activities, from robot building and slime making to captivating planetarium sessions, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) demonstrations, and much more.
The popular drop-in Science Fun Days will be back, now available at more venues than ever to meet growing demand. Nottingham Cathedral will also host SEND Science Fun Days and immersive planetarium sessions, thoughtfully designed to provide a fun and accessible experience for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Festival culminates on Friday 21 February with a celebratory Stargazing party at Green's Windmill, Sneinton.
This year’s Festival is delivered in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, Catalent, Explore Manufacturing, Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council, Neos Networks, Nottingham Trent University, Nottinghamshire County Council, Quotient Sciences, Rolls Royce, Royal Society of Chemistry, Sygnature Discovery, UKAEA, University of Nottingham, University of Nottingham Institute of Policy & Engagement, and Upperton Pharma Solutions.
For more information including detailed event listings, please visit www.nottsfosac.co.uk