Science gets the ‘X’ factor

May 31, 2011 - PRLog -- From canned sandwiches to personalised jet packs, history is littered with examples of failed inventions. So what does it take for an invention to become part of daily life and why is it that all too often the next big thing never sees the light of day? Former Tomorrow's World presenter Vivienne Parry and Mark Lewney, present some big ideas that flopped and Trevor Baylis gives his advice to today's inventors.

From 7-12 June, The Times Cheltenham Science Festival will transform Cheltenham Town Hall and Imperial gardens into the ultimate venue for discovery, debate and hands-on fun – as the usually genteel setting springs to life with thousands of people taking part in hundreds of events and activities throughout the site.

The immensely popular Discover Zone returns to the main hall with demonstrations and interactive exhibitions offering inspiration for all ages. And, for the first time, the festival also welcomes an adult-only interactive space in Area 42. This will be the place to experience the very latest technology – not yet on the market and on public display for the first time here. Other brilliant new additions include hands-on action in the Lego Education Zone and the chance to get up close with the stars of BBC Science in the BBC Science Zone in an informal setting. The feast of free events, surprising additions and family friendly entertainment ensure that the 2011 festival is a relaxed, enjoyable and inspiring way to spend the day in Cheltenham.

2011 marks the tenth Cheltenham Science Festival, and the festival gets in the party spirit with more eXplosive, eXciting and mind-eXpanding events than ever before with the festival theme of ‘X’.  The theme has inspired a series of events exploring of all things X-related – from X-men to X chromosomes. The programme looks back over the past ten years as it delves into the advances in science since the first festival in 2002 – and looks ahead to the science of the future with cutting edge research and debates. From the wonders of the universe, to the science of cannabis, via the latest advances in stem cell research –– Cheltenham puts some big questions under the microscope.

The party continues with a programme of outstanding speakers – bursting with world-renowned thinkers, Cheltenham favourites and comedy genius. Just some of the stellar scientists making the line-up are everyone’s favourite physicist Brian Cox, scientific superstar Robert Winston, anatomist and star of Coast Alice Roberts, comedian Robin Ince and writer and comedian Mark Steel in a one-off Cheltenham exclusive. The whole programme is overseen by three Guest Directors – including the first ever children’s Guest Director. Graphic novelist and influential writer Alan Moore, child psychologist and broadcaster Tanya Byron, and family friendly Gastronut Stefan Gates will lead the celebrations with their inspiring passion for their very different areas of expertise.

Sharon Bishop, Executive Director of The Times Cheltenham Science Festival can’t wait for the celebrations;

‘Cheltenham is a really unique science festival, there's nothing else like it in the world. It's a celebration of how science inspires, informs and affects our everyday lives, all wrapped up in an amazing festival buzz. As well as meeting some truly inspiring people, you can explore things that matter to you and your family - like health, nature and technology - and enjoy the thrill and fun of hands-on experiments, performance and comedy. Even if you're taking your first steps into scientific discovery, there's a whole world of wonder waiting for you in our programme. This is the supercharged science they didn't teach you at school.’


The Times Cheltenham Science Festival: 7-12 June 2011

The Times Cheltenham Science Festival is a six-day celebration of science, engineering and the arts and is produced by Cheltenham Festivals. A rare opportunity for the public to come face-to-face with around 300 of the world’s leading scientists and thinkers, the festival annually sells in excess of 28,000 tickets whilst the free programme – including the interactive Discover Zone exhibition and family fun days - attract over 10,000 visitors.  The six day festival promises a mix of serious debate, live experiments and surprising discoveries all based at Cheltenham Town Hall.
Tickets can be purchased:
BY PHONE on 01242 505 444 (please note new number),
IN PERSON from the new CF Box Office on the first floor of Regent Arcade,
ONLINE at cheltenhamfestivals.com


For more details see the full programme on the Cheltenham Festivals website: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science-brochure-2011

For further media information please contact:
Amy Hulyer, Press & PR Manager, Cheltenham Festivals
on 01242 775856 / amy.hulyer@cheltenhamfestivals.com


About Trevor Baylis Brands plc:

TBB plc provides help to inventors by researching their ideas and offering professional advice on how to move forward.  For exceptional ideas TBB plc assists the inventor with the go to market process, dealing with the business side allowing the inventor to enjoy watching their idea develop into a reality.





Contact:

For further information please visit our web site at www.trevorbaylisbrands.com or call us on 05601 290240 or send an email to business@trevorbaylisbrands.com

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TBB plc provides help to inventors by researching their ideas and offering professional advice on how to move forward. For exceptional ideas TBB plc assists the inventor with the go to market process, dealing with the business side allowing the inventor to enjoy watching their idea develop into a reality.