Press Releases
LEADING WILDLIFE FILM MAKER TO LAUNCH LOCAL FESTIVAL
MAKE A DATE FOR 'TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER'
RECORD NUMBERS ATTEND TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
VISIT THE WORLD’S WILD PLACES AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
SHELL-GREENPOWER CHALLENGE FOR SCHOOLS
LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR WEEKEND OF FUN AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
TECHIE THE TERRIER UNVEILS TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
TV’S DR BUNHEAD BLASTS INTO ABERDEEN FOR TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
MEET JON TICKLE AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
TV PERSONALITY BEN FOGLE TO OPEN NORTH-EAST FESTIVAL
FUNDING BOOST FOR TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER PROGRAMME PROVES POPULAR WITH SCHOOLS
TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER IS BACK!
LEADING WILDLIFE FILM MAKER TO LAUNCH LOCAL FESTIVAL
29th May 2008
TechFest In September, joint principally funded by Shell and BP, is to mark the opening of its annual festival with an appearance by noted wildlife photographer, TV presenter, writer and film-maker - Simon King. The North East’s festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is set to launch with this high-profile family event at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom on Friday 5th September at 7.30pm.
Simon King, with nearly 30 years experience in natural history film-making, has become a household name for his acclaimed work both behind and in front of the camera – currently presenting popular BBC programmes such as “Springwatch” and “Big Cat Diary”. He has worked across 6 continents and received many awards for his work, including a BAFTA for Blue Planet, for which his team received a Best Photography Factual Award.
Tickets for the event will go on sale from early August.
To join the mailing list and receive a full programme of all the 2008 festival activities call 01224 274196 or visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk for more information
MAKE A DATE FOR 'TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER'
16th May 2008
The dates for TechFest Is September 2008 – Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland’s annual festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – are now confirmed and the organisers, educational charity TechFest-SetPoint, are delighted to be working once again with Shell and BP, who have joined forces for a fourth year as the festival’s Joint Principal Funders.
This year’s Primary Schools programme, which includes two shows and over 30 hands-on workshops, will take place at Aberdeen Beach Ballroom and Leisure Centre from Monday 8th – Friday 12th September.
The Secondary Schools programme, which offers a variety of in-school presentations is available in North East schools throughout the month of September.
The Public Programme will run from 5th – 22nd September and promises a wide range of events and activities taking place at various venues throughout the North East of Scotland.
Over 21,000 people are expected to take part in the September programme of activity, which aims to inspire an interest in STEM subjects (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) amongst children and adults of all ages and abilities.
Helen Donald, of the ‘TechFest In September’ team, commented;
“There has already been enormous interest in this year’s festival from both the schools and the public so it is great to highlight our dates early and ensure that everyone can get the event into their diaries now.
“Our schools programmes will be arriving with teachers very shortly and we would suggest early booking to avoid disappointment as the demand in previous years has always outstripped availability.
“And although our full Public Programme will not be out till early August we would certainly encourage people to join our mailing list to ensure they receive a copy as soon as it becomes available - many of our events last year booked out in the first couple of days. We’re putting the final touches to our public programme now, so watch this space for imminent announcements about our 2008 festival highlights.”
To receive a priority copy of the programme by mail or email then people should call 01224 274196, email techfestsetpoint@abdn.ac.uk or register on the website www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk
RECORD NUMBERS ATTEND TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
4th October 2007
This year’s TechFest In September - the annual festival of Science Technology, Engineering and Maths, supported by BP and Shell - attracted record numbers of visitors. The eighteen-day long festival, which took place in September, attracted more than 21,000 visitors to its three distinct programmes for Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and the public.
TechFest-SetPoint, the organisers of the festival, have described this year’s TechFest as ‘the most popular yet’. Record numbers of visitors participated in all three programmes, with over 5,000 attending the Primary Schools event; another 5,000 took part in Secondary School activities; and more than 11,000 visitors participated in the wide range of public events.
The festival has been running for 14 years now and allows visitors to take part in a range of unique events which highlight the fun side of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The festival has received backing from many different organisations, with BP and Shell joining forces as TechFest’s Principal Funders for the third year.
Liz Hodge, Director of TechFest-SetPoint commented; “We are delighted with how well this year’s festival has gone. Feedback has been extremely positive with many people telling us how much they enjoyed the activities.”
She continued; “I would like to thank all of our sponsors and for their generous support. Without their backing TechFest In September would simply not take place and I hope they will continue to support the festival in future.”
Fundraising is now underway for next year’s festival. Organisations that are interested in sponsoring the TechFest In September should contact Liz Hodge on 01224 274195. For more information visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk .
VISIT THE WORLD’S WILD PLACES AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
27th August 2007
Internationally renowned landscape photographer, Colin Prior will be discussing his latest book ‘The World’s Wild Places’ during a special event at this year’s TechFest In September – the North East of Scotland’s festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, supported by Shell and BP.
During the event Colin will give a background to the amazing photographs in his latest book, which captures remarkable images from over 30 countries. Colin is passionate about the environment and will highlight the threats to many of these relatively untouched places.
The presentation, which is suitable for age 12+, will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday 13th September within the MacRobert Building at the University of Aberdeen Campus, off King Street. Tickets are available now at a cost of £3.50 for adults and £3.00 for concessions and can be booked in advance by calling 01224 274188.
Other events taking place during TechFest In September include an opening event with Ben Fogle (who shot to fame in ‘Castaway’); appearances by Brainiac’s Jon Tickle and Dr Bunhead; and the popular Family Activity Weekend.
For more information about the range of events taking place during the festival visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk or call 01224 274196 to request a free Programme of Events.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
23rd August 2007
We’ve all seen at least one movie where evil robots and computers take over the world. But what is the reality? The truth behind artificial intelligence will be revealed during a special interactive talk at this year’s TechFest In September – the North East of Scotland’s festival of science, technology, engineering and maths, supported by Shell and BP.
Dr Paul Curzon from the University of London is an expert in artificial intelligence research – the field of science that tries to build ‘thinking machines’. Using a mixture of demonstrations and interactive games, Dr Curzon will reveal how these machines are built and explore what they can and can’t do!
The presentation, which is suitable for age 12+, will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12th September within the MacRobert Building at the University of Aberdeen Campus, off King Street. Tickets are available now at a cost of £3.50 for adults and £3.00 for concessions and can be booked in advance by calling 01224 274188.
Other events taking place during TechFest In September include an opening event with Ben Fogle (who shot to fame in ‘Castaway’); appearances by Brainiac’s Jon Tickle and Dr Bunhead; and the popular Family Activity Weekend.
For more information about the range of events taking place during the festival visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk or call 01224 274196 to request a free Programme of Events.
Shell-Greenpower Challenge for Schools
22nd August 2007 – for immediate release
Greenpower is a national project which has been running since 1999 and is designed to promote and encourage young people to develop an interest in and understanding of engineering and technology. The programme involves students in the practical applications of engineering as they design, construct and race an electric car. The project is divided into separate ‘Formulae’ to suit different age groups and to allow continuity from Primary right through to S6 - Primary 7 (Goblin), S1-S4 (F24) and post 16 years (F35 and Catapult – as F24 with added suspension). Each stage builds and develops the skills gained from the previous Formula. Students are encouraged to run this project as a racing team focusing not just on the engineering challenge but also to consider the marketing, sponsorship and business aspects involved.
The scheme was initiated in Scotland by TechFest-SetPoint in 2006 with Goblin cars being built in three Primary schools in Aberdeen. Following the success of the Goblins cars and generous sponsorship by Shell U.K. Limited, the F24 cars are being launched on 22nd August 2007 to secondary schools in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee, Moray and Perth & Kinross, with a view to having a combined inter-school Goblin and F24 Final in June 2008 at the Grampian Transport Museum. The winning F24 teams will be invited to attend the National Final at Goodwood in October 2008.
F24 car
THE BARE BONES OF SCIENCE
21st August 2007
The topic of Forensic Anthropology will be under the microscope next month during a special presentation as part of this year’s TechFest In September – the North East of Scotland’s festival of science, technology, engineering and maths, supported by BP and Shell.
The revealing presentation by Professor Sue Black (who leads the training for the UKs National Disaster Victim Identification Team), will describe the role of a forensic anthropologist, and outline the significant developments that have been made in the field of victim identification following the Asian Tsunami and UK terrorist attacks.
The presentation, which is suitable for age 16+, will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11th September within the MacRobert Building at the University of Aberdeen Campus, off King Street. Tickets are available now at a cost of £3.50 for adults and £3.00 for concessions and can be booked in advance by calling 01224 274188.
Other events taking place during TechFest In September include an opening event with Ben Fogle (who shot to fame in ‘Castaway’); an appearance by Brainiac’s Jon Tickle; and presentations covering topics such as artificial intelligence, geology, cancer treatment and archaeology.
For more information about the range of events taking place during the festival visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk or call 01224 274196 to request a free Programme of Events.
LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR WEEKEND OF FUN AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
16th August 2007
Creepy crawlies, gadgets, explosive experiments and an inflatable planetarium are just some of things that visitors can expect to find at this popular family event next month. TechFest In September – the annual festival supported by BP & Shell – will host its Family Activity Weekend on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September at the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom & Leisure Centre.
The line-up for the weekend was announced yesterday and families can look forward to over 30 interactive shows and workshops that highlight the fun side of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The Family Activity Weekend, which is sponsored by Marathon, is a year-on-year favourite with thousands of North-East families. Many of the most popular activities will make a return this year, along with several new workshops.
New activities this year will let visitors discover about dolphins, take part in an Arctic adventure or create their own unique model from recycled materials. On Saturday younger visitors can even bring along their favourite furry friend to meet the Teddy Bear Doctors and find out all about a hospital visit.
Other events taking place during TechFest In September include a presentation by TV personality Ben Fogle, an explosive presentation by TV’s wacky Dr Bunhead, and an appearance by Brainiac’s Jon Tickle. The festival’s popular Discovery Series will also make a return with 9 evening and 6 lunchtime presentations covering topics as diverse as forensics, geology, botany and archaeology. Tickets are available for all events by calling 01224 274188.
To request a free copy of the Festival Programme, which lists all events call 01224 274196. Visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk for more information.
Techie the Terrier Unveils TechFest In September Programme of Events
8th August 2007
TechFest In September - the North East’s festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, supported by Shell and BP - kicks off next month and youngsters are invited to try out some fun activities this Saturday (11th August) at the St Nicholas pedestrian area, outside Marks and Spencer.
It will be the first opportunity for the public to pick up a copy of the full Events Programme for this year’s festival, and children can meet the festival’s new larger-than-life mascot ‘Techie the TechFest’s Terrier’. A balloon-sculpting magician will also be on hand to entertain and families can take part in many interactive puzzles and games.
After Saturday’s launch of the new Programme, copies will be available at venues throughout the North-East and can be requested by calling 01224 274196. The programme lists all of this year’s events along with full booking details.
Ben Fogle, who shot to fame in ‘Castaway’, will open this year’s festival on Friday 7th September with a presentation entitled ‘A Spirit for Adventure’. During this event Ben will talk about the many ways in which his passion for the Natural World has shaped his career.
Other events taking place during TechFest In September include an explosive presentation by TV’s wacky Dr Bunhead and an appearance by Brainiac’s Jon Tickle. The popular Family Activity Weekend will also take place again this year on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September at the Beach Ballroom and Leisure Centre with over 30 interactive shows and workshops for visitors of all ages.
Tickets are available for all events from Monday 13th August by calling 01224 274188. For more information visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk
TV’S DR BUNHEAD BLASTS INTO ABERDEEN FOR TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
2nd August 2007
TV’s most extreme scientist, Dr Bunhead, will visit Aberdeen next month to take part in this year’s TechFest In September - the North East’s festival of science, technology, engineering and maths, supported by BP and Shell.
Dr Bunhead, who has appeared on several popular television programmes such as Brainiac, Blue Peter and Fully Booked, will blast onto stage on Monday 24th September (an Aberdeen Local Holiday) to perform his explosive Wild Waste Show.
During the live show Dr Bunhead will take a loud and messy look at waste, poking through the gross, smelly and downright disgusting science lurking in our dustbins and digestive systems. The blazing performance will feature a barrage of spectacular and dangerous experiments, including an awesome fire-tornado, the Guinness World Record Spud Cannon, spontaneous head combustion, Mr Wippy's giant poo and lots more.
Helen Donald, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest-SetPoint, the organisers of the festival commented; “Children of all ages love Dr Bunhead’s wacky approach to science and we are delighted to be able to include his fantastic show in this year’s line-up. The event will take place on the Aberdeen September Holiday Monday, so it’s a great way to keep youngsters amused while they are off school - it’s not only seriously funny but educational too.”
Two showings of the 1 hour long family show (which is suitable for over 5s) will take place on Monday 24th September at 11.30am and 2.30pm at the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom.
Other events taking place during this year’s festival include celebrity presentations by TVs Ben Fogle (Castaway, Animal Park, Wild In Africa) and Jon Tickle (Brainiac). The popular Family Activity Weekend will also take place again this year on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September at the Beach Ballroom and Leisure Centre with over 35 interactive shows and workshops for visitors of all ages.
Tickets are available for all TechFest In September events from Monday 13th August. For a free programme, which lists all of this year’s events and includes full booking details, call 01224 274196. For more information visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk
MEET JON TICKLE AT TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
30th July 2007
TV personality, inventor and self-confessed science boffin Jon Tickle will make a special appearance in Aberdeen later this Summer as part of the line-up for this year’s TechFest In September - the North East’s festival of science, technology, engineering and maths, supported by BP and Shell.
A genuine science fan with a degree in physics, Jon presents Sky One’s Brainiac. Quirky, intelligent and dry-witted, 'The Tickle' has developed a devoted following over the years and fans – young and old – will have the chance to meet him and learn about his love of all things boffin.
During this special TechFest In September event, Jon will entertain the audience with stories of his childhood and describe memorable Brainiac experiments, including waling on custard. Fans will have the chance to ask Jon their own questions and then meet him at a signing after the event.
Two showings of the 1 hour long family show (which is suitable for over 5s) will take place on Saturday 8th September at 11.30am and 2.30pm at the MacRobert Lecture Theatre, University of Aberdeen Campus, off King Street.
Jon Tickle will be joined at TechFest In September by another television personality who started out in reality TV. Ben Fogle, who shot to fame in ‘Castaway’, will open this year’s festival on Friday 7th September with a presentation entitled ‘A Spirit for Adventure’. During this event Ben will talk about the many ways in which his passion for the Natural World has shaped his life.
Tickets are available for all TechFest In September events from Monday 13th August. For a free programme, which lists all of this year’s events and includes full booking details, call 01224 274196. For more information visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk
TV PERSONALITY BEN FOGLE TO OPEN NORTH-EAST FESTIVAL
25th July 2007
Ben Fogle is a man of many talents and boundless spirit - TV presenter, published author, sportsman, travel adventurer and now a world record-holder. Later this summer, Ben’s travels will bring him to Aberdeen to open TechFest In September - the North East’s festival of science, technology, engineering and maths, supported by Shell and BP.
The popular TV personality will launch this year’s festival on Friday 7th September at 7.30pm at Aberdeen Beach Ballroom with a presentation entitled ‘A Spirit for Adventure’. From his first television appearance in ‘Castaway’, to his epic journey across the Atlantic in a rowing boat, Ben will talk about the many ways in which his passion for the Natural World has shaped his life.
Tickets for the event will be available from Monday 13th August. For a free TechFest In September programme, which lists all of this year’s events and includes full booking details, call 01224 274196. For more information visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk
FUNDING BOOST FOR TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER
11th June 2007
The organisers of TechFest In September are celebrating after receiving a significant funding boost of £20,500 from EventScotland. The award will fund additional marketing activity for the annual North-East festival of science, technology, engineering and maths and this popular event, which has BP and Shell as its joint principal funders, will take place at venues throughout the city from 7th-24th September 2007.
The award, which has been granted through EventScotland’s Regional Events Programme, will be used to create new promotional literature, to redevelop the existing TechFest In September website and to pay for a widespread advertising campaign.
Liz Hodge, Managing Director of TechFest-SetPoint commented; “We are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters – and very excited about the EventScotland funding. We have some fantastic events planned for this year’s festival and the additional support will allow us to market TechFest In September to an even larger audience.”
EventScotland’s Regional Events Programme supports the development and growth of sporting and cultural events and festivals outside the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Since 2002, events across 27 of Scotland’s local authority areas have benefited from a total investment which exceeds £1.5million.
Paul Bush, Acting Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland explained; “Following the success of the application TechFest In September made to our Regional Events Programme, we are pleased to be able to support the organiser’s ambitions to develop and grow what is already a successful and popular event.”
“Our varied programme of regional events is an important part of our work to increase domestic tourism across Scotland and of course supports our long-term strategy to sustain Scotland’s image as a destination for major, international events.”
For more information about TechFest In September, or to request a free Programme of Events, please contact 01224 274194 or visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk
TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER PROGRAMME PROVES POPULAR WITH SCHOOLS
23rd May 2007
Every year TechFest In September, the popular North-East festival which is jointly funded by Shell and BP, introduces thousands of pupils to the fun side of science, technology, engineering and maths through a wide range of events and activities. The festival’s well-established Primary School Programme is proving to be a big hit with schools again this year and TechFest-Setpoint, the organisers of the festival, predict that the 2007 event will be booked to capacity in record time.
With over 35 workshops and shows to choose from, the TechFest In September Primary Programme allows teachers to introduce pupils to topics such as earthquakes and volcanoes, renewable energy, healthy eating, rainforest habitats and the solar system. This year’s Primary Programme takes place at the Beach Ballroom and Leisure Centre from Monday 10th –Friday 14th September.
The programme of events went out to schools two weeks ago and TechFest-SetPoint has been inundated with bookings from schools throughout the North East. Helen Donald, TechFest Co-ordinator explained; “We’re delighted with the popularity of this year’s Primary Schools Programme. The phone started ringing the very first day that the information was available in schools and we’ve had some really positive feedback from teachers about the variety of shows and workshops that are available this year. With over 2,500 pupils already booked in from schools across the North East the event looks certain to reach capacity before the end of term so I would advise schools to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.”
BP and Shell have once again joined forces as the festival’s Joint Principal Funders and both organisations are presenting new workshops at the Primary School’s Programme. Shell’s workshop Nova will use five, simple hands-on investigations to help the children learn about solar system, planets, stars and eclipses. BP will focus on the ‘carbon footprint’ and help youngsters to consider ways that they can reduce their impact on the environment.
In addition to the Primary Schools Programme, the festival also offers a Secondary Schools Outreach Programme which will be arriving in schools from early June, and a Public Programme of Events which will be available from early August. For more information about any of the TechFest In September programmes or events please contact 01224 274194 or visit www.techfestserpoint.org.uk
TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER IS BACK!
9th May 2007
TechFest In September – the festival of science, technology, engineering and maths – has now announced the dates for this year’s public programme which runs from 7th – 24th September and promises a wide range of events and activities taking place throughout the North East of Scotland. The organisers of the festival, TechFest-SetPoint, are delighted to be working with Shell and BP who have once again joined forces as the festival’s Joint Principal Funders.
Over 20,000 visitors are expected to take part in the 18 day programme, which aims to inspire an interest in science and technology amongst visitors of all ages and abilities.
Helen Donald, of the TechFest In September team commented; “There really will be something for everyone this year – our jam-packed programme of events will be well worth investigating! The popular Family Activity Weekend is back and, based on its growing popularity, we expect around 3,000 visitors to take part in our fun-filled workshops and presentations - making it one of the areas largest family events.”
“Our Discovery Series will also make a welcome return, giving visitors the chance to hear from renowned experts in the areas of science and technology and to get involved in topical discussion and debate. We’re putting the final touches to our programme now, so watch this space for announcements about our 2007 festival highlights.”
If you would like to be added to the TechFest In September mailing list please call 01224 274196 and a priority copy of the programme, with full details of all this year’s events, will be posted out in late July.
