Macclesfield Barnaby Festival 2016

Macclesfield Barnaby Festival 2016 has set SPACE as the theme for 2016. The multi-faceted, science-based programme of activities will include opportunities for aspiring astronauts of all ages to get involved in events across the town – including the chance to seek out the moon in all its guises. Five SPACE MISSIONS will span the town centre from 17-26 June – which mission will you choose to accept?

MISSION ONE: WEATHER BALLOON PROJECT

Timed to coincide with astronaut Tim Peake’s return from Space, Year 6 pupils from Macclesfield primary schools will launch a weather balloon into the upper reaches of the atmosphere, equipped with capsule containing HD video cameras and GPS transmitters. Find out if your school is involved.

MISSION TWO: DEEP SPACE AND SOLAR LAB 

Drop-in weekend with members of Macclesfield Astronomical Society to include:

– Seek out your favourite constellation from one of 17 remote telescopes via Las   Cumbres Observatory

– Discover the Planeterella and how the Aurora Borealis works

– Programme of talks and lectures

MISSION THREE: ROCKETSHIP CHALLENGE

Celebrating Macclesfield’s long association with astronomy and aerospace engineering, this competition, in association with Macclesfield College, invites teams to create a solution to a real SPACE problem. Teams must:

– create & build an engineering solution to identified problem

– demonstrate solution to audience & judges

– compete in a live challenge to determine winner

To register your interest in taking part contact mail@barnabyfestival.org.uk

MISSION FOUR: SCIENCE DOME PLANETARIAM

Giant outdoor, inflatable planetarium erected in the grounds of Christ Church will show a rolling programme of 360 degree star show experiences and films with immersive visual effects to inspire all ages.

MISSION FIVE: SPACE SCHOOL: WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES

Christ Church Lawns will play host to two days of hands-on workshops and demonstrations aimed at families: Space School. Activities include, edible comet-making, crater building, live experiments and demonstrations, iPad space simulations, games, quiz, design a constellation and build your own alien!

We’re recruiting participants for all missions – to find out dates, venues and how to get involved navigate to: www.barnabyfestival.org.uk or contact mail@barnabyfestival.org.uk