Quantum, consciousness, religion – what’s it all about? Shaking with fright, as Catastrophe (the BIG Shake-Up) is one of the themes: pandemic, global warming, economic melt-down, and how to avoid them.  And shaking with laughter as Robin Ince, Marcus Brigstocke, The Festival Of Spoken Nerd and Helen Keen take science to a new place: comedy.

The first weekend of the Festival (11th & 12th) sees the popular Family Fun Days at Hove Park School. Children aged 7-14 get inspired by the creative, messy, loud side of science. Featuring real sheep, real explosions, cloud chambers, a snotty nose big enough to crawl through and very much more. Start half term with a big bang!

Curious about the Higgs Boson and other mysteries of Quantum theory? Why not come along to the Quabinet of Quantum Quriosity (19th) and find out more about the mysteries of this puzzling but fascinating branch of physics (suitable for children 13+). Later in the month, our Simply Brilliant physics evening (22nd) with Trevor Bayliss, will demonstrate what intelligent design really means. If you want your mind bent, try out the edgy scientific ideas of Rupert Sheldrake, author of the Science Delusion (20th).

For the very brave, we have, Make Your Mind Up Time (26th), where will delve into the murky world of consciousness and how much of our world is a figment of our imagination. Bring your loved ones and see if you still think they exist at the end of the day.  Brighton’s famous Catalyst Club will host two specials. First a Catastrophe Club (9th) where we look forward to the end of the world, and secondly a soothing Catalyst Goes Cuddly (23rd) where 3 speakers will revel in the delights of custard, computer games and hedgehogs.  Big Science Saturday (25th) will investigate swearing as pain relief, how to age well, the mathematics of Olympic athletes and turning water into wine.

Other events throughout February include special film showings at The Duke of Yorks cinema (17th and 26th). There will be children’s events throughout half term including How To Be Magic (12th) and the Chewy, Gummy Physics Factory (18th) and special theme days focussing on ecology and the science of crafts. 

WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY 7.30PM – LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING
Everything from the Big Bang to Big Brother in 13.72 minutes – thats one minute per billion years.
Brighton & Hove Humanist Society, Lord Nelson Pub, Trafalgar Street.

THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY 7.30PM – HAMMER AND TONGUE – SCIENCE FESTIVAL SPECIAL
Performance poetry event featuring a super science themed slam.
Komedia Studio, Gardner Street