Imperial Festival returns for second fun-filled extravaganza

Put 3-4 May in your diary for this year's Imperial Festival for your chance to meet cutting edge researchers and take part in experiments.

For all those who’ve ever wondered what life’s like on the surface of Mars, why babies kick in the womb or how your brain understands and reacts to music, the wait is over. Imperial Festival is back.

Free and open to all, the second annual Imperial Festival takes place at the College’s South Kensington Campus on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May. Situated in London’s museum quarter, the Festival is only a short walk from both South Kensington underground station and Hyde Park.

This year’s event will explore some of the most innovative and interactive science and engineering projects at the College, offering Festival-goers the rare chance to meet world-leading experts working in areas such as climate science, engineering and obesity.

Last year’s Imperial Festival welcomed over 7,000 visitors on campus. Exhibits included a pop-up surgery stand for visitors to try their hand at simulated operations, 3D scanners, together with displays from a number of performing arts groups and even a 13-feet tall mechanical dragon.

The bubble-breathing dragon returns in 2013, alongside the hugely popular robot display and visions for the future of transport. Visitors can also find out about some of the innovative products spun out of Imperial, including Fabrican Ltd., which has important applications for spray on fabrics in fashion and medicine alike.

Performance artists Balloonatics will demonstrate famous inventions and scientific discoveries, while other hands-on activities include a mural wall, where people can draw their experiences of the Festival. More energetic visitors can take part in a silent disco.

Talks and interactive workshops over the weekend will include presentations from academics working in neuroscience and energy, in addition to a number of topics that have hit the headlines in the last year including the Mars Curiosity Rover. Live demonstrations from the Centre for Blast Injury Studies will also highlight the important work done to reduce the impact of explosive devices on soldiers serving in war zones across the world.

Natasha Martineau, Head of Research Communications at Imperial, said: “As this year’s programme falls into place, we’re very excited about what Festival visitors will be able to see and do. It’s a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to explore cutting edge research, music, dance and comedy all at one central London venue. The return of the Imperial Festival is a great way for adults and families to celebrate the Early May bank holiday weekend.”

During the last six months, the College has run Imperial Fringe, a series of public events for people to engage with researchers and take part in hands-on exhibits. These have ranged from zombie outbreaks to a Christmas dinner made of cake, attracting over 1000 people. This year’s Festival aims to appeal to thousands more.