Free Science and Arts Festival ‘Innovate Guildford’ Returns for a Second Year

Published on: 10 Feb, 2017
Updated on: 16 Feb, 2017

The free science and arts festival, Innovate Guildford, is returning for a second year and organisers, Guildford Borough Council (GBC), says there will be something for everyone.

The event takes place at G Live on Saturday, March 4 from 10am until 5pm.

A council spokesperson said: “Innovate Guildford 2017 is bigger and better, with the whole of G Live available for all ages to enjoy inspiring things to see, do and experience.

“From Supermassive Games to Surrey Satellite Technology, Pirbright Institute to the Planetarium, Minecraft to McLaren, there’s something for everyone at Innovate Guildford 2017.

“Explore the four zones: Engineering, One Health, Digital Media and Future Living, experience interactive performances and hear inspiring speakers, including leading gaming pioneer Peter Molyneux and animal health pioneer Professor Nick Bacon.

“Come along, be inspired and join in the fun!”

Theatre, music and comedy will feature throughout the day, with everything from how technology might have affected Shakespeare’s plays to risky recycling and photographic secrets.

Guildford’s mayor Gordon Jackson said at a press launch earlier this week: “This has been almost a two-year project from when Nikki [Nelson-Smith, former mayor] and I had this vision of trying to promote innovation.

I don’t think anybody really knows what this world will look like in ten, twenty or thirty year’s time. Change is the new normal. We do need to ensure that we educate our youngsters to understand the new technologies and to develop the skills which will enable them to take advantage of it.”

“My mayoral theme is ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Solutions Today’ and Innovate Guildford demonstrates this perfectly, particularly for young people exploring their potential. Be part of it all, imagine your future and give your brain a great day out!”

Guildford’s Mayor, Gordon Jackson and Campbell Reith speaking at this week’s press launch of Innovate Guildford.

Recalling the success of last year’s event participant Campbell Reith, of Fleur Civil Engineering said: “It was a huge amount of hard work by everybody but my overriding memory is that I got back to my car at the end of the evening and thinking it had just been the most fun day.”

Cllr Paul Spooner, GBC leader, said: “Innovate Guildford is back and it’s better than ever. Amazing things are made in Guildford and our borough is a real centre for innovation. This is a great chance to come and meet local companies at the heart of new technology, join in our workshops or even try a Virtual Reality game. And best of all, it’s completely free, so come along and get inspired.”

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Gordon Jackson added: “The creative minds behind Science and Arts in and around Guildford are world-class, and they want to talk to you.”