Cheltenham Town Hall will play host to this year’s exciting Cheltenham Science Festival 9th – 13th June 2010. Over 10,000 visitors are expected to arrive in Cheltenham to celebrate the event.
As the youngest of the Cheltenham Festivals, the Times Cheltenham Science Festival was first held in 2002, and has quickly grown to become one of the most significant of its kind in the UK. The Festival has attracted many significant names in Science over the years, including Robert Winston (the first ‘guest director’ in 2004), David Puttnam (Director 2005), Jonathon Porritt (Director 2007), Adam Hart-Davis, Susan Greenfield, Richard Dawkins, Lucy Hawking, A. C. Grayling, Tony Robinson and Richard Hammond.

It is described by Professor Lord Robert Winston as “…unquestionably the leading science festival in the country”. The Times Cheltenham Science Festival is a five-day celebration of science with intimate venues and a unique format it’s a rare opportunity for policy makers, research funders, the media and the general public to come face-to-face with the world’s leading scientists and thinkers.

Physicist and presenter Brian Cox and ‘chef of the decade’ Heston Blumenthal are Guest Directors, and have helped shape a programme with over 100 thought-provoking and innovative events: exploring everything from the natural world and health secrets to the technological wizardry that will shape tomorrow’s world. Top scientists will examine the latest medical technology, debate the future of our climate, explore the next intelligent methods of travel, question the things that affect all our lives – and lots more!

The Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham hotel will be welcoming many visitors to the festival and is pleased to be supporting other Cheltenham Festivals throughout the year. Any science revellers looking to stay in the town should contact this hotel in Cheltenham for the best value for money deals during the event.

‘Decadence’ is the theme of 2010: luxurious, self-indulgent, and a subject sure to spark debate, live experiments and surprising discoveries. Big thinkers Paul Davies, Tony Robinson, Bill Bryson, Ok Pannenborg, Evan Davis and many others descend on the Festival; and Robin Ince returns with Ben Miller for a science and comedy collision – all based at Cheltenham Town Hall.

Each year, the ‘Guest Director’ is responsible for organising events related to their area of interest and expertise. The first two years saw events taking place in the Cheltenham Town Hall and the Everyman theatre. This year, the Everyman was not used and instead The Arena, a large marquee built on gardens outside the Town Hall, was introduced which was used as the venue for the more popular events.

The Times Cheltenham Science Festival 2010 Schedule

Wednesday 9th June 2010
‘Species on the Move’ will open the first day of the Festival at Cheltenham Town Hall. Guests include ecologist Steve Willis and Deborah Pain Director of Conservation at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. A subject which covers how the changing climate is forcing birds and insects to change their migration patterns in order to survive.
Starting at 2.30pm, tickets £6.

Thursday 10th June 2010
‘The London 2012: The Most Sustainable Games Ever?’ this seminar at Cheltenham Town Hall will look at what footprint hosting the Olympics will leave behind in the UK, with guests Chairman John Armitt and Shaun McCarthy, Chair of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012. Starting at 4.15pm, tickets £6.

Friday 11th June 2010
Bill Bryson will be celebrating 350 Years of the Royal Society at the Cheltenham Town Hall. He will talk with Roger Highfield Editor of New Scientist, about the great achievements, and disputations, of science. Starting at 4.30pm, tickets £6.

Saturday 12th June 2010
‘The Bigger Bang’ is a great event for all the family aged six and above. Dr Hal brings his fantastic chemistry set to Cheltenham Town Hall to show the incredible colourful and explosive power of chemistry, from hot ice to exploding ostrich eggs. Starting at 10am, tickets £6.

Robert Winston will also make an appearance at Cheltenham Town Hall for what promises to be ‘a mind-bending trip into the most amazing and powerful computer that exists – your brain’ for ages eight and above. Starting at 2pm, tickets £6.

‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’ is a live recording of the Radio 4 show hosted by Robin Ince and Brian Cox. They will be joined by special guests Ben Miller and Robert Winston at Cheltenham Town Hall, for an insider’s look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Starting at 6pm, tickets £3.

Sunday 13th June 2010
‘Science Junkie’ will be presented by Huw James and Greg Foot. The event is for those aged 11 and above to take part in ‘an hour of adrenaline-filled extreme sports action’. Starting at 2.15pm, tickets £5.
Tickets on sale now!
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To book accommodation in Cheltenham whilst visiting the Times Cheltenham Science Festival please call 01242 548200 or visit www.hiexcheltenham.com