Brainiacs assemble! Leeds Science Festival kicks off in style

The annual Leeds Festival of Science kicked off with a ‘Power of Water’ event at Thwaite Mills, where visitors got to grips with practical science activities, learning about everything from hydrogen fuel cells and steam engines to water wheels and water rockets.

The event was the first in a series of workshops, talks, shows and activities for pupils and the public, which will be held across the city in the coming weeks as part of the festival, which is now in its 11th year.

Dr Ruth Holland, one of the organisers, said: “This year’s festival has so much in store, from comedy and debates to children learning about cutting-edge science.

“We thought last year’s 10th anniversary celebrations would be difficult to beat, but we think this festival will top them all!”

On the other side of the city, youngsters put their knowledge to the test in a challenging maths quiz.

Children from 12 secondary schools battled it out in the competition at the University of Leeds, with Abbey Grange Church of England Academy being crowned the winners.

Sara Atkinson, from the University of Leeds, said: “There was a great buzz in the room as the students worked together to solve the puzzles.”

The Leeds Festival of Science aims to celebrate science, technology, science, engineering and mathematics.

It is run by the University of Leeds and finishes on Wednesday, March 23.

THERE’S plenty to keep science fans busy this month:

> Bright Club Leeds: Comedians, musicians, writers and academics will join forces for a night of live entertainment at The Fenton from 7pm on March 10.

> Engineering Colouring Book Launch: Visit Trinity Kitchen on March 12 and you can get a free copy of the new Engineering Colouring Book and help colour in what could be the World’s largest colouring page.

> Discover Science through Comics: On March 13, visit White Cloth Gallery for an exhibition of comics that break the barrier between science and art.