Cork's Fitzgerald Park to host two-day Carnival of Science extravaganza

THE Carnival of Science is returning to Cork this summer for a free two-day Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) extravaganza featuring more than 70 STEM activities and live science shows.

The event, organised by the Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks, will be taking place on June 8 and 9 and will be held at Fitzgerald Park.

The annual carnival is funded by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Cork City Council.

With more than 75,000 people having previously attended the event, this year’s carnival will feature 45 STEM- based activities, 26 live seated science shows in circus top and stretch tents, live demonstrations, walkabout scientific performers, an animal roadshow, interactive stands and much more.

Juggle

New activities this year include ‘Bee-ology’, a circus science performance that juggles bee and insect stories and facts, as well as the ‘OurKidsCode’ offering parents of primary school aged children a taster in coding through club workshops.

UCC will also be on hand to showcase their Free Hydro Cells research project which aims to create energy from sustainable materials.

Accessibility is a key focus of the carnival with provisions in place to ensure sign language interpretation is available at live show performances and a designated quiet zone for those with noise sensitivities.

Welcoming the event, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy said: “Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science festival which is a superb day out for all to enjoy in the scenic and historic surrounds of Fitzgerald Park.

“This festival aligns with our goals of supporting STEM engagement from a young age, which is essential in keeping Cork city as a leader in scientific endeavors into the future, be it as a place to study, do research, or operate a business.”