History

The Sidmouth Science Festival was started by a small team from the Vision Group for Sidmouth part of the Transition Town initiative.

With so many technical issues being faced by society we believe that our communities will make better decisions if they have a deeper understanding of the underlying science and technology. We aim to make people aware of how the STEM subjects (science, technology engineering and maths) play a part in what we take for granted in everyday life. 

Sidmouth Science Festival started in 2012 with a weekend of science events in Sidmouth and at the nearby Norman Lockyer Observatory as well as a single day in local schools and art in the local gallery.

Since then it has grown to a 10 day event with over 120 activities: visitor numbers have increased, visitors have been drawn from a larger area including overseas and more schools have been involved with hundreds of East Devon students taking part. Key speakers over the years have included Professor Iain Stewart, Professor Monica Grady. Professor Edzard Ernst, Professor Bill McGuire and Adam Hart Davis as well as Dr Adam Rutherford.

Super Science Saturday, when drop-in events take place throughout the town, has proved very popular with families as has the Sunday Funday at the Norman Lockyer Observatory where the jet car races have attracted large numbers.  You can access photos of the 2018 Festival via our public photostream.

This format has continued since. We are also providing an increasing number of science-related events at local schools. For a taster of past programmes please click on the links to the relevant year:  2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.

The Sidmouth Science Festival is now a charity –  no. 1168115.