This year’s Festival of the Future will offer children the chance to design their own comics, discover the wonder of numbers and go on an odyssey to Mars among other treats.
Best-selling authors, theatre groups, leading academics and local creative professionals will lead the family-focused events taking place as part of the University of Dundee’s flagship celebration of art, culture and science from Wednesday 16 to Sunday 20 October.
Each day of the programme will feature events aimed at children and families, including an appearance from legendary TV presenter Johnny Ball, who has championed mathematics and science to millions of youngsters over the past 40 years. He will discuss ‘The Wonder of Numbers’ when he appears at Bonar Hall on Saturday 19 October.
Programme director Emma Beatt said, “This festival is about looking towards the future and there is no more important consideration than the young people who will go on to shape the world in years to come.
“The events we have lined up are both entertaining and educational. They will be learning while they have fun and having fun while they learn. Johnny Ball has taught generations to love science and we are very excited to be welcoming him to Dundee as part of our fantastic programme.
“The Festival takes place in the October holidays so we hope lots of families will join us for the performances, workshops, book events, tours and other events taking place across five packed days.”
Other events for youngsters taking place during the Festival’s five-day run include the Dundee Remix Comic Workshop and Slug by Visible Fictions (both 16 October), Mars Odyssey (17 October), The Whirlybird by Ecodrama (18 October) and Toothy Tigers (20 October).
Each day of the programme will feature events aimed at children, young people and adults, debates with academics and external speakers and high-profile events featuring prestigious figures from the worlds of science and culture. Dance, theatre, music and comedy performances will also take place.
More information about Festival of the Future can be found at www.dundee.ac.uk/futurefest.