What to expect at SciFest Africa

SciFest has kicked off in Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape, from 2-8 march 2016. SciFest is a festival where science innovations and creations from across the globe are showcased in spectacular fashion. With a breath-taking lineup to be expected, there are numerous attractions that you can expect to witness at SciFest.

SciFest will host numerous interactive events that refuse to be classified as lectures, workshops, or exhibitions. These are just a peek 'through the keyhole' at what SciFest has in store for you.

One may watch science fiction film, Dig for Fossils at the Kids’ Dig, be rendered speechless by the Scifest Africa Laser Show, build a soap box car for the big derby, or catch the best of SciFest Africa at the Sunset Show.

An interesting show that will be showcased at SciFest is Dr Graham’s Blow-up Science presented by Dr Graham Walker from Australia. This show will enthrall audiences with unbelievable and mind-bending science.

Kitchen Chemistry: Seconds by Scifest Africa regular, Dr Stephen Ashworth, from the University of East Anglia, will present brand new dramatic experiments, using everyday consumables and items that can be found in your immediate surroundings.

For car junkies, just when you thought the new 420kph Bugatti Chiron was fast, the Bloodhound Project will showcase the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC), designed to travel at a speed of 1,690kph.

The Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST) will explore the shared origins of all life forms and humankind in All from One.

If you have children who are scientifically inclined, Kid’s Dig and A Journey to the Stars allow children to role play as scientists in order to gain a better understanding of concepts, topics and processes of thinking in scientific disciplines, while providing an experiential base and motivation for further activity learning.

In the wake of Ultra Music Festival, if you thought that the lighting was amazing, The Laser Show is a must see for every festival goer and takes your breath away as it recreates the best of the Scifest Africa Laser show using a dramatic combination of lasers, ice fog and live performers.

For creative minds, the Cardboard Challenge and Denel Paper Aeroplane Competition should have your rapt attention. The Global Cardboard Challenge is an annual event that invites the world to build anything awesome out of cardboard and recycled materials. The challenge aims to instil creative thinking, introduce social entrepreneurship at a young age and use storytelling to celebrate exceptional children and inspire communities.

In the Denel Paper Aeroplane Competition, people can learn more about the aviation industry, from aircraft design and maintenance to careers in aviation

For those that suffer from serious Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), attend the daily Sunset Shows to see what Scifest Africa has on offer and join top science show presenters for a daily barrel of laughs showcasing the who’s who and what’s what on the Scifest Africa Programme. The Sunstet Shows are a must as they enlighten festival goers as to what is on show at Scifest and will help people plan accordingly.

Scifest Africa will also offer great opportunities to relax and unwind with food, wine and good company at a local restaurant, Saint’s Bistro & Inn. This experience will also offer a peek into the lives of high-profile scientists over dinner.

For those who still have an abundance of energy, Pub Science could be your calling. Meet Scifest Africa 2016 contributors over a beer and talk to them about their work, watch as they do science using only what they can find in the pub, and later (much later), tell them your crazy idea to save the world, even if it may be in a moment of alcohol induced bravery.

SciFest Africa aims to shake the notion that science is boring. It aims to be thought provoking, creative, fun and educational. This is just a tiny peek at what SciFest has to offer. It is advisable to make arrangements to attend as many events on offer are not to be missed.