Burnley College’s popular Science and Technology Festival goes global

The annual event went online this year due to Covid-19, with the college rising to the challenge and sharing their love of all things scientific to a global audience.

A key event in the calendar for many families, Burnley College’s Science and Technology Festival educates and entertains in the amazing universe of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – but this year had a difference.

With no need to beat the crowds, visitors joined in from the kitchen table, their garden – or from classrooms across the UK and beyond.

Karen Buchanan, principal of Burnley College Sixth Form Centre, said: “It certainly was a Science and Technology Festival to be remembered! Covid-19 restrictions led to the decision to take our festival to the next level and reach out to the world.

"As the day progressed, we could see more and more would-be scientists join our interactive schedule of activities and check-in on a world map that allowed visitors to leave us short messages.

“We’ve had some wonderful feedback – from photographs of children launching pop bottle rockets, to teachers who appreciated a few new science-based activities to introduce to their classes.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to share the fantastic work of Burnley College tutors and support staff – not just for this annual event, but in everything they do to spark the curiosity and fire the imagination of learners.

"We’ve really been able to put Burnley College on the map and it gives us something wonderful to build upon for future years.

“Of course, we certainly hope our Science and Technology Festival will be back next year in its original form as a community event for the town and wider area to enjoy in person – but there’s no reason now why we can’t continue to extend our famous hospitality to the world.’

The schedule of activities with pre-recorded videos and activity packs remain available on the college website www.burnley.ac.uk/burnley-science-technology-festival for all those who may have missed the event, or who wish to repeat some of the activities they enjoyed on the day.