bluedot has today revealed its full programme of science names for this year’s festival, joining a weekend of music and cosmic culture at Cheshire’s Jodrell Bank Observatory that includes already-announced headline appearances from Björk, Groove Armada, Mogwai and countless more.
This year’s extensive science line-up features headline talks from astronaut Tim Peake, Jim Al-Khalili, Chris Lintott, Jessica Wade and Dale Vince alongside an impressive programme of talks, workshops and interactive activities.
Tim Peake is set to be a huge draw for science and space-loving families. After beating 8000 applicants to be selected as a European Space Agency astronaut, Peake spent several years in intensive training finally joining the crew of the International Space Station in 2015 for two consecutive missions totaling over six months. Peake’s appearance at bluedot will include an exploration of his time aboard the International Space Station, and the role of the European Space Agency in the future of space travel.
Chris Lintott of BBC’s The Sky At Night will return to bluedot for 2022. Chris will take to Mission Control on Saturday to discuss ‘How to be surprised by the universe’ and why we should keep our eyes peeled for the unusual.
Academic physicist, author and broadcaster Jim Al-Khalili will appear on Sunday. Host of Radio 4’s The Life Scientific and president elect of the British Science Association, the professor will discuss how thinking scientifically can help us navigate today’s world.
Imperial College Research Fellow working in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London, Dr Jess Wade also joins the science bill on Saturday. Fiercely committed to improving diversity in science, outside of the lab Jess is heavily involved with several science communication and outreach initiatives. Dr Wade will appear alongside illustrator Melissa Castrillón to discuss ‘The very (very)small materials that will save the world’. Expect great science facts, drawing tips and thoughts on how rewarding it can be to work in science.
Also featuring on the bill is green energy industrialist and founder of green energy company Ecotricity, Dale Vince. Owner of the first ever vegan football club and a pioneer for environmental sustainability, the passionate entrepreneur has also been appointed a UN ambassador for climate issues. Dale will inspire crowds at bluedot as he explores the challenges facing our planet and the promising solutions.
Returning speakers to the festival include Open University’s Monica Grady, Planetary scientist Sarah Crowther and Professor of Evolutionary & Developmental Psychology, Gillian Forrester.
Other science speakers announced today include astrophysicist John Ilee, Martha Hilton, astronomer Leah Morabito, Kat Coyte, space scientist Jim Wild, Shari Breen, Professor of Immunology Daniel M. Davis, Sheena Cruickshank, Christopher Jackson, and Richard Betts.
Families can enjoy an out-of-this world day out with a whole host of science shows, hands-on activities, pop-up exhibitions, and interactive workshops. Highlights include Manchester Girl Geeks, The Woodland Trust, British Antarctic Survey, and a host of research teams from The University of Manchester.
Celebrating the iconic setting of the festival, visitors will also be able to get up close to the mighty Lovell Telescope, take in late-night Stargazing sessions and explore the Jodrell Bank site including the ever-popular Whispering Dishes and Arboretum.
Teresa Anderson, Director at Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement and science curator for bluedot has said: “We’re thrilled to announce such a full science line-up for this summer’s bluedot. We’re really looking forward to welcoming so many new and returning speakers, scientists, research teams, exhibitors and science communicators to Jodrell Bank.”
bluedot has also today announced additions to Outer Space, a unique area at the festival filled with breathtaking artwork in a wooded cornucopia of fire, light and ambient sound.
GAIA – the huge Earth installation by artist Luke Jerram – is welcomed back to bluedot and will make an impressive statement in Jodrell Bank’s beautiful surroundings. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features highly detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and will provide a unique opportunity to see our amazing planet on this scale, floating in three dimensions.
Complementing GAIA, bluedot’s arts and culture programme will also be enriched with an appearance from SUN. A collaboration between artist Alex Rinsler and leading solar physicist Professor Robert Walsh, the 7m floating representation of our closest star is certain to wow the crowds against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Lovell Telescope.
Award-winning outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank will bring its hugely popular Immersive Fire Garden to the festival, providing visitors with a magical opportunity to wander around a series of enchanting fiery installations in this unique experience.
Also appearing as part of the arts programme is The Nectary, a light and sound installation which will highlight the importance of pollinating insects.
bluedot 2022 is the fifth chapter of the unique festival, named Best Medium Festival at the UK Festival Awards, which has seen headline performances from the likes of Kraftwerk 3-D, New Order, The Chemical Brothers, Pixies, The Flaming Lips, Underworld and Jean-Michel Jarre, plus high-profile talks from Brian Cox, Helen Sharman, Alice Roberts and Richard Dawkins.
Weekend tickets for bluedot 2022 are on sale now from discoverthebluedot.com.
