EXCITEMENT has begun for the Bradford Science Festival, after it was officially launched in an exciting show in the Broadway centre today.

The four-day extravaganza of science will run from Thursday, July 18, to Sunday 21, across the city centre, providing fun entertainment and education for all the family.

Produced by the National Science and Media Museum, this year’s festival is focused on space travel, chemistry, the oceans and caring for the environment, which was evidenced at the launch which featured a jump-stilt astronaut performer parading round the Broadway shopping centre.

Events at the festival will take place at the museum, along with the Broadway and in City Park, as well as two new venues for 2019 in the University of Bradford and Impressions Gallery, just off City Park.

With July 20 marking the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing, when Neil Armstrong took “one small step for man, and one giant leap for mankind” becoming the first human to step foot on the Moon, space is firmly on the agenda at this year’s festival.

There will be a whole host of activities to celebrate the milestone and learn more about space travel.

2019 also marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Periodic Table, and there will be extraordinary experiments aplenty over the weekend demonstrating the wondrous world of chemistry.

Protecting the environment, climate change, recycling and reducing plastic use and waste are all at the forefront of the public mind currently, so this burning issue will also be subject of lengthy discussion at the festival.

Vicky Clifton, head of learning and participation at the National Science and Media Museum, said: “We are delighted that this year’s Bradford Science Festival has got even bigger, with Friday night activities in addition to new partners joining the event.

“It helps inspire even more people of all ages to be excited and curious about science and technology, as well as providing advice about education and careers in the district.”

A number of planetarium shows and space activities will take place at the Broadway, City Park will be home to multiple science zones as well as STEM City, promoting the work of science related organisations and careers in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing.

At the university, its STEM centre will host a range of family activities on the Friday night, and the Impressions Gallery will host interactive artworks, a virtual reality installation, and put a spotlight on the use and disposal of plastic products, while the museum plays host to a huge array of activities and events.

A full run down of all events taking place at Bradford Science Festival is available by visiting the National Science and Media Museum website.