South East Science Festival to host free family fun day in Clonmel next week

Families across Tipperary are urged to book their free places now for a fun-filled day of science and adventure, while learning about climate and the environment at Gaelcholaiste Chéitinn in Clonmel on Saturday, November 9.

It’s all part of this year’s action-packed South East Science Festival programme of events over 90 free events for adults, children and all the family. Hosting all of the events on the 11- day programme is only made possible due to the continuous work of the CALMAST team at SETU and its outreach programme in the community throughout the year, with invaluable support from Research Ireland, MSD and local authorities.

While it’s all free, pre-booking is essential on https://www.calmast.ie/events/ and places are expected to book up fast. The fun for all the family begins at 11am as TV presenter, Mark Langtry, enthrals and entertains adults, teens, children and all the family at the Gaelcholaiste in The Mall.

Mark is renowned as an inspiring, powerful entertainer and educator.  He will bring all the family on an eye-opening, feel-good journey where they will discover a world of limitless possibilities and embark upon an exciting scientific expedition.

Mark Langtry, aka ‘The Science Guy’ has long been a South East Science Festival favourite and will be exploring the extremes of our planet. This high energy , interactive show will kickstart you into action, help you feel powerful about your future and inspire you to make a positive impact on our world.

The scientific adventure continues from 12.30pm at the same venue with ‘Bubbly Science’ aka Caroline Ainslie. She will explain how our breath blows up a balloon silently, but a loud POP is heard when the balloon bursts. Caroline takes the entire family on a journey where they will explore balloons, breath and bubbles in a colourful show for families, children and everybody else.

And families who missed the first show are welcome to register for free for climate scientist and broadcaster Mark Langtry’s second show at the Gaelcholaiste from 2pm. The second show is similar to the morning session and explores the scientific wonders of the planet we live in.

Across Tipperary, events run in a variety of locations and are set to appeal to very different audiences. Venues include Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel; Carrick-on-Suir Library and Clonmel Library.

In keeping with the ‘Regeneration’ theme, this year’s programme includes ‘In the Company of Trees’ with Joanne Donohoe at Clonmel Library on November 12. Sessions run at 10.30am and again at 12 noon. Participants will learn the intricate nature of how our Earth works so efficiently to keep life as we know it in balance.

Dr Sheila Donegan, CALMAST Co-Founder and Co-Director said the South East Science Festival programme and theme evolves each year to meet scientific advances, topical subjects and general interest among school groups, families, adults and the wider general public. She’s proud of the mix of events for all audiences, all interests, again this year.

“Science Week is a week-long event in Ireland each November, celebrating science in our everyday lives. Science Week includes a wide variety of events involving industry, colleges, schools, libraries, teachers, researchers and students throughout Ireland.

“South East Science Festival is the regional celebration of national Science Week across Tipperary,  Waterford and Carlow offering a range of opportunities for the public to engage with STEM in their own communities, with events in local pubs, libraries, community halls, theatres and more.

“Each year, the festival brings top scientists and science presenters from Ireland and abroad to local communities right across the region and this year’s events are hosted in a variety of accessible locations Places are limited at lots of events and we’d encourage the public to book now, secure their place,” Dr Donegan added.

• For a full schedule of events and to reserve free places, log on to  https://www.calmast.ie/events/

Pictured below is Caroline Ainslie, aka Bubbly Science, giving a demonstration to school children.