15 May 2019: Cork’s Fitzgerald Park is set to transform into a science super-park on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June, as Cork’s first Carnival of Science comes to town.  With a Big Top, Explorium, Stardome and Imaginosity Little Top, the Carnival of Science will be an incredible national and international celebration, that will delight and enthrall young and old!

Supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland, Cork’s first Carnival of Science is being organised by Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks, and expects to draw thousands of visitors to Fitzgerald Park as part of Cork Midsummer Festival in June.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Mick Finn said, "Cork has an action packed summer lined up for all who live, work and play here as well as visitors from other areas. Certainly one of the most exciting events on Cork’s summer calendar of events is the Carnival of Science.  This super-charged celebration of science will spark the imagination and ignite a new love for all things science, through a really fun and engaging way.  Cork City Council are delighted to support the first Carnival of Science, and we invite you all to come along on 22 and 23 June.”

There is a diverse mix of entertainment at the Cork Carnival of Science ensuring fun for every age, with shows including Feel the Force from London Science Museum, Science Magic from W5 of Belfast and The Science of Dragons from Science2life.  Hands on workshops will be provided by the Royal Society of Chemistry and Bubbly Maths and include slime making from Messy Hands. Marquees from Explorium Science centre and Analog Devices will feature interactive exhibits. Walk about performances include Eureka from Edinburgh, Dr.Ken and Strong Women Science. Activity stands will be provided by Lifetime Lab, Makerdojo, TOG Makerspace, Tyndall, INFANT, SEAI and many more.

“At Science Foundation Ireland we are excited to support the first ever Carnival of Science.  We hope families will enjoy this event, which offers a friendly, fun way to interact with science and technology together. Through the SFI Discover Programme we are committed to making STEM accessible to all and to inspiring people to explore, debate and engage in STEM Initiatives like this are a perfect way to place the wonder of STEM in way people can enjoy it.  I would encourage everyone in the region to make this part of their weekend.”
Margie McCarthy, Head of Education and Public Engagement at Science Foundation Ireland

Lifetime Lab Manager and Carnival of Science Director Mervyn Horgan said, “Visitors to the Carnival of Science will see Fitzgerald Park as never before – it will truly be a STEM wonderland, packed with fun and exciting ways to enjoy science that is all around. As a free event over 2 days, it gives families a great way to make science education fun for children, with learning through laughter, experiments and experience.  This is a real must-attend event of the summer schedule for Cork!”

Cork Carnival of Science will be the largest STEM engagement event in the region, and unlike any other festival this year. Dynamic demonstrations, engaging experiments, funky games and electrifying entertainment are guaranteed for all the family at this unique event in Cork this summer. Don’t miss it.

For more information, contact Renate Murphy, CAMEO Communications tel: 086 8145462 email: renate@cameo.ie