Newcastle University’s Discover Festival to Showcase Cutting-Edge Research and Interactive Activities

Newcastle University’s Discover Festival to Showcase Cutting-Edge Research and Interactive Activities

(IN BRIEF) Newcastle University’s Discover Festival, a free family-friendly event, will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, offering a day of interactive learning and entertainment. Over 70 activities will showcase the university’s pioneering research, including hands-on experiences in robotics, chemistry, and AI, as well as musical performances and a food festival. The event is designed to inspire curiosity and promote the impact of the university’s work on both a local and global scale.

(PRESS RELEASE) NEWCASTLE, 3-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Newcastle University is excited to announce the return of its annual Discover Festival, taking place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at its city-centre campus. This family-friendly event will showcase the cutting-edge research and educational initiatives at the university, offering a unique opportunity for people of all ages in the North East to engage with world-leading experts across a wide range of fields.

The free event is designed to bring the community together, with over 70 activities for visitors to explore. From the opportunity to control machines with their minds in the Mind-Controlled Machines activity to discovering the exciting world of chemical reactions in Colourful Chemistry, there will be something for everyone. Families can also take part in hands-on activities like Building and Coding a Lego Robot and competing in the Robo Rally, where they can race an AI-controlled, self-driving car.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place at Newcastle University, said, “Discover Festival is all about bringing communities together and showcasing the pioneering work that is happening here in Newcastle. Our research has a significant impact both regionally and internationally, and we are excited to share this with everyone. It will be a day of learning, fun, and inspiration, where curiosity will be sparked, and new ideas will emerge.”

The festival will also feature a variety of live musical and stage performances, including “Sugarbugs Live!” – an interactive musical about the monsters that live in your mouth, and performances by the Ladies of Midnight Blue with their Afro-Latin beats, Newcastle alumnus Remy blending soul, rock, and pop, and the Newcastle Youth Choir. Visitors can also enjoy the “Everyone Can Sing!” workshop and performance celebrating the magic of singing.

For those looking to unwind, there will be a range of food and drink options, including coffee and cake from The Grand campus café, as well as the Food Festival at the Student Forum, where local businesses will be offering delicious treats.

Dr. Chris Holder, research lead for the Robo Rally, explained, “Robo Rally is a great way to demonstrate the impact AI is having on global transportation. By giving the public the chance to race against an AI-controlled car, we hope to address concerns about self-driving vehicle safety and engage with people about this rapidly changing technology.”

The Discover Festival will take place from 10 am to 4 pm, with activities across various campus locations including the new Stephenson Building, King’s Hall, Union Lawn, and the university’s galleries and museums. Many activities are available on a drop-in basis, but some will require advance booking. To explore the full programme and register for specific activities, please visit the Discover Festival website.

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SOURCE: Newcastle University