Norwich Science Festival is back 11–18 February 2023!
Expect intriguing discoveries, inspiring talks, engaging exhibitions, deep dives and debates, cutting-edge research, and lots of hands-on family fun!
Presented by The Forum, Norwich, in partnership with many organisations across the region, including UEA and Norwich Research Park, there’s something for everyone – all ages can explore the wonders of the universe, meet the scientists whose research has changed the world and discover how science influences everything around us.
Highlights for families include the return of BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates, with a brand-new show Rude Science; and Big and Small – an interactive game show where you help Astronomer Affelia and Biochemist Alex settle a very important scientific argument: which is superior – big things like planets, or small things like proteins!
Not sure where to start? Here is our top ten list of events you don’t want to miss out at this year’s festival!
1.Nine Lessons for Norwich Science Festival – Science Cabaret
Friday 17 February, 8:30-10:30 PM
Cost: £15
Expect weird science, quirky facts, lots of laughter and a great night out in this science cabaret show, hosted by Dr Helen Czerski with special guests including Dr Adam Rutherford, comedian Bec Hill, Prof Chris Jackson and music from Soft Lad (from Self Esteem).
2. Planetarium
Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 February, various times
Cost: £5
Step inside the planetarium to see one of the mesmerizing shows on the wonders of space and the power of light! Explorer Dome’s shows are lively, interactive, and entertaining as well as full of science, and there are sessions suitable for different ages and relaxed performances too.
3. Wim Hoff Method Fundamentals Workshop
Saturday 18 February, 9:30 AM-3 PM
Put yourself in the expert hands of a certified WHM Instructor to learn the three pillars of the Wim Hof Method: Breathing Technique, Cold Exposure & Commitment. Find out how you can utilise oxygen and cold exposure to optimise the body and mind and learn about the underlying physiology. Learn life-changing techniques and challenge yourself in this exclusive workshop – be prepared to submerge yourself in cold water outside The Forum, in front of an impressed crowd.
4. Animal Top Trumps
Saturday 11 February, 3-4 PM
Are you team ‘living’ or team ‘dead’? Would a rhino win a fight with a T-rex? Which was the weirdest animal ever? Compare skeletons, teeth, behaviours and lifestyles in this energetic battle between modern-day animals and dinosaurs. BBC Unplugged’s Lizzie Daly and Tv biologist Professor Ben Garrod go head-to-head in a bid to claim their team as the winners of the animal kingdom. Plus, book signing. Age Recommendation: 5+
5. Boogie on the brain
Tuesday 14 February, 8-10:30 PM
Cost: £15
Dr Peter Lovatt (aka Dr Dance) explores why we love to boogie in this unique evening – he’ll take you through the key ideas in cognitive psychology and along the way teach you some fun, simple dance routines! Peter is a former professional dancer and one of the world’s leading Dance Psychologists; he’s spent decades studying the science of human behaviour and dancing. Come along this Valentine’s evening on your own or as a couple, have a drink and enjoy this alternative night out! Plus, book signing.
6. Heartbreak: necessary process or by-product of love? With Rosie Wilby, Prof Barbara Sahakian and Prof Viren Swami
Tuesday 14 February, 7-8 PM
Cost: £10 (plus booking fee)
Heartbreak is a near-universal experience, but what is it? Why does it happen, and what can we do to get through it? This Valentine’s Day, neuroscientist Prof Barbara Sahakian and psychologist Prof Viren Swami join comedian and author of ‘The Breakup Monologues’ Rosie Wilby to discuss these questions and more. Plus, book signing
7. The Z List Dead List with Iszi Lawrence
Thursday 16 February, 5-6 PM
Cost: £9
Who proved the scientific method using magic? Did a woman really give birth to rabbits? Why did one man put trousers on frogs?
Author and comedian Iszi Lawrence (BBC R4, Netflix) introduces you to the obscure, murderous and revolting scientists and their unusual hypotheses from history. Inspired by her popular podcast, the evening covers all the highlights from our horrible history of unexpected experiments, bizarre theories and ridiculous inventions. Age Recommendation: 12+
8. A Science Rapper’s Guide to the Solar System with Jon Chase
Thursday 16 February, 3-4 PM
Cost: £6
A tour of the solar system with a difference! Join science presenter Jon Chase as he explains just how extreme our Solar System can be, through the use of science-based raps that you can join in with! He’ll be answering questions like: How big is The Solar System? How puny is Pluto? How cold is a crater? What’s the smelliest planet? Caution: contains facts of a humorous nature. Age Recommendation: 7+
9. The Devil You Know – Dr Gwen Adshead
Tuesday 14 February, 1-2PM
Cost: £10
Join Dr Gwen Adshead, author of bestselling book The Devil You Know, and one of Britain’s leading forensic psychiatrists, for a fascinating insight into criminal minds which argues for rehabilitation over revenge, compassion over condemnation. Plus, book signing.
10. Big and Small
Thursday 16 February, 11 AM-12 PM
Cost: £5
Big and Small is an interactive game show where you help astronomer Affelia Wibisono and biochemist Alex Holmes settle a very important scientific argument: which is superior – big things like planets, or small things like proteins! Think you have what it takes to make the hard-hitting decisions? Age Recommendation: 6+
To find out how to book and to discover even more of our incredible events, visit https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk and check out the Explorium at the Forum each day to discover the theme of the day plus lots of fantastic free science fun for all the family!
