Science Circus by the Sea Festival to take place in Mayo as part of Science Week 2024

Science Circus by the Sea Festival will take place in Mayo as part of Science Week.

People in Mayo are being called upon to celebrate this year’s theme of ‘regeneration’.

The annual week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) will take place across Ireland from the 10-17 November. 

Harnessing the power of regeneration and are calling on the people of Mayo to celebrate their innate ability to reinvent, rejuvenate and regenerate. 

With hundreds of events taking place both county and nationwide, there is something for everyone.

Whether you’re passionate about protecting our environment, biodiversity, our future health, or using technology like generative AI in our everyday lives.

Regeneration is happening all around us and Science Week is the chance to explore the endless opportunities for the future, and how the decisions made today will greatly impact future generations. Some events taking place as part of the Science Circus by the Sea Festival across Mayo include:

Desert Bloom: Westport Library 16 November 11-11.45am: Desert Bloom is an interactive storytelling and puppetry show for very young children telling the story of the lifecycle of a beautiful red flower that lives in the Atacama Desert in Chile, South America. This special plant blooms only once every ten years. What does it need to blossom? Using dance, storytelling and puppetry of the insects from the region, Angelica Santander brings this tale alive. Bring your little ones along for a charming, relaxed and interactive performance.

StrongWomen: Westport Town Hall 16 November 12-1.15pm: Ever wanted to know how you balance a chair on your chin, if you can juggle liquid, or how circus performers eat fire? StrongWomen Aoife and Maria reveal the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks. In a fun, lively and fast-paced family circus performance, find out how jugglers, acrobats and hula-hoop artists use science to create their amazing acts. Don’t miss this inspiring show about the power of teamwork, science and strong, brilliant women. Join us for a short post-show discussion about girls and women in Science with the performers and women in STEM.

What stuff does: Westport Town Hall, 16 November, 3-4.00pm: What Stuff Does reveals the mechanics and mysteries behind the art of juggling. With comedy and incredible circus skills, phenomenal performer and research scientist Robin Dale unpacks the mechanics of juggling using flying ping pong bats, disobedient buckets of water and a wrestling match with a flipchart. Prepared to be amazed with a part TED talk, part stand-up comedy, part mesmerising circus act!

 Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society, Research Ireland, said: “Science Week is a chance to show people what is possible when we use our collective strengths to build a brighter, more sustainable future. This Science Week, there is something for all generations, and I would encourage everyone in Mayo to get involved, whether by attending local events, engaging online, or sharing experiences with friends and family.”

For more information on how to get involved and to see the full list of events, see the Science Week website. 

Most events are free to join, but registration may be required.