The first Somerscience Festival, held in Bruton and Castle Cary in Somerset on May 1st, was a vibrant and engaging STEM-filled family day. It was the perfect opportunity for children and adults alike to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and explore the various STEM-based careers and industries that are available in Somerset.
We welcomed over 4800 visitors
The festival welcomed over 4800 visitors across Castle Cary and Bruton. Just under half (45%) of visitors were young people aged between 4 and 18 years of age.
More than 50% of visitors to Somerscience were local to South Somerset. Visitors also travelled from the rest of the county, and neighbouring Bristol, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, and even as far afield as London and Kent.
Visitors highly rated the festival
Visitors had the chance to take part in exciting hands-on STEM activities, learn from professionals in STEM-related fields, watch live demonstrations, and discover inspiring projects.
People of all ages found something to enjoy at the festival, making it a fun and educational experience for the entire family. Over 90% of the visitors surveyed rated the festival ‘good’ or ‘very good’ and 85% agreed they would recommend the festival!
Over 50 STEM organisations took part
Somerscience 2023 hosted 178 STEM professionals from 55 organisations that included Dyson, GWR, Leonardo, Aerospace, EDF Hinkley Point C, the Met Office, the Royal Navy, Wyke Farm, Thales, Tata, the NHS and many more!
Helped improve STEM understanding
One of the aims of the Somerscience Festival is to help positively change attitudes towards STEM and STEM careers by increasing engagement with STEM activities. We are pleased to report 94% of visitors felt the festival gave them a better understanding of STEM and 87% a better understanding specifically of STEM careers.
Over 85 activities to take part in
Visitors to Somerscience this year were able to explore the worlds of oceanography, robotics, aerospace, health science, sustainable energy, Earth science, cyber security, medical engineering, agricultural engineering, meteorology, veterinary science, food processing and much much more!
For more details and to get a taster of Somerscience festival 2023, see the programme of activities booklet or visit our YouTube channel. We hope to bring even MORE to Somerscience 2024. Watch this space!
Over 85 activities to take part in
Visitors to Somerscience this year were able to explore the worlds of oceanography, robotics, aerospace, health science, sustainable energy, Earth science, cyber security, medical engineering, agricultural engineering, meteorology, veterinary science, food processing and much much more!
For more details and to get a taster of Somerscience festival 2023, see the programme of activities booklet or visit our YouTube channel. We hope to bring even MORE to Somerscience 2024. Watch this space!