Ten things to do at Edinburgh International Science Festival

The Edinburgh International Science Festival starts tomorrow. It goes on till the 22nd and the programme is both extensive and impressive. So where to start?

We have looked through the programme several times and have come up with The Edinburgh Reporter list of 10……This is only our recommendation however – why not tell us what you are going to see – and do add to the list by commenting below.

  1. Science Mini Cinema at the City Art Centre. Discover a series of short films and documentaries from throughout the world. Sit down, relax and enjoy. Suitable for all ages. That sounds like our kind of thing!
  2. Sleepover at the Zoo. When the sun goes down the zoo comes alive. Stay overnight at the Zoo and learn about the animals’ after-dark behaviour. Now there is a children’s and an adult version of this! You go along at 6.30pm and stay till 9am the next day. You are promised torch-light trails, BBQ and breakfast. Sleep is not however promised…..! The cost is £65.
  3. At the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian you can follow the trail around the aircraft to see how they fly before having a go at building your own. This is from 22-25 April from 12 noon to 3pm and is free with admission to the Museum. Ages 3+
  4. Volcanic City Walk for Ages 7+/ More than 300 million years ago a volcano punched its way to the surface of what is now the city of Edinburgh. Take a stroll through streets and parks and find out how geology helped to shape the city’s development. Meet at the bottom of The Mound at 2pm on 9,11,13 & 15 April. Price £10 for adults.
  5. Street Science is for all ages. Mind-boggling experiments and dazzling science demos the tricycles of tricks will take street performance to a whole new level. They will make balloon animals and dip them in liquid nitrogen. Across the city at different locations follow then on Twitter or look at the website to find out where they are.
  6. Inside the Organ. This one we really rather fancy. It takes place in St Giles’ Cathedral for ages 9+ and is free. One show only on 16 April at 10.30 am and you do need a ticket. Jeremy Sampson animateur well lead a workshop to show the audience the science behind the ‘king of instruments’.
  7. For ages 16+ there is a photography workshop at Edinburgh Zoo offering the perfect opportunity to capture images of the animals and meet some fellow photographers. Takes place with a guide who will be able to provide tips and advice. Lunch included. 11am-3pm £28. 9th April
  8. Luc Besson’s Atlantis is showing at The Filmhouse on 9th & 16th April at 18.15. The awe-inspiring celebration of the beauty and wonder of the world beneath the sea. Graceful images of matas, whales, dolphins and sharks at play are promised. Introduction and post-film Q & A. £7.50.
  9. City Art Centre without the kids is a great idea. The venue is really for the children but if you go along at 7.30pm you get a glass of wine and free rein to try everything out yourself. So you can take a tour on the Jungle Safari or mix a blood milkshake at the Blood Bar/ Ages 18+ £10
  10. Pretty Pretty Bang Bang The Science of Fireworks is a great idea for a city which has become the firework display capital of the world. Professor Jackie Akhavan explains how they work. 7.30pm for ages 16+ at George Square Theatre. £8.

More details on the Science Festival website and if all else fails then you can look at the lovely photographs in St Andrew Square.

Festival venues include the City Art Centre, Adam House Chambers Street, Assembly Hall, Blackness Castle, Camera Obscura, City Chambers, Di Rollo Gallery, Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World, Edinburgh Printmakers, Edinburgh University Students Union, Edinburgh Zoo, Filmhouse, George Square Theatre, Informatics, Inspace, International Centre for Mathematical Sciences, The Jam House, Merchiston Castle School, The Mound, National E-Science Centre, National Museum of Flight, National Museum of Scotland, National Museums Collection Centre, Our Dynamic Earth, Pleasance, Princes Mall, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Observatory, St Andrew Square, St Giles Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish Seabird Centre,The Scottish Storytelling Centre, Scotch Whisky Experience, Stevenson College, Traverse Theatre, Usher Hall……. phew!