Bristol Bright Night To Bring City To LifeIin Celebration of Science

Levitation, DNA daiquiris and bugs that glow in the dark just some of the many features at Bristol Bright Night this Friday (26th September).

The event shall be the first time that Bristol has ever taken part in the annual European Researchers’’ Night, celebrated simultaneously in 300 cities across 24 countries to showcase popular science and fun learning.

Bristol Natural History Consortium’s Festival of Nature, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, Bristol Bright Night will be colloborating to celebrate the diversity of research that takes place across the city and inspire people of all ages to get involved in science and research.

Bristol’s streets will come to life as a series of free and fun activities will take place throughout the day, with schools’ activities from 1pm, when it also opens to the wider Bristol public. The Harbourside is hosting interactive activities including a research fair at At-Bristol, several exciting talks at the Watershed as well as street performances.

Savita Custead, CEO of Bristol Natural History Consortium who organise the festival says:

“Bristol is a hub for science and technology so we felt that it was the right time to bring this Europe-wide Researchers’ Night to the city. It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn and be inspired by the science and innovation that Bristol has to offer.”

The event's highlights include:

Can sound lift humans – the strange world of acoustic levitation

At-Bristol, 6.15pm - 7pm

Researchers will demonstrate how ultrasound can seemingly defy gravity and move tiny objects such as living cells. Professor Bruce Drinkwater from the Faculty of Engineering at Bristol University will be looking at how much sound force is possible and whether we can use it to levitate humans.

Many bugs make light work

At-Bristol research fair 1pm – 10pm

Head to the UWE BugBooth, a blackout tenant where visitors can find out how bugs glow in the dark. Toothpaste, chilli powder and glow sticks will be used to demonstrate how some bacteria produce their own light.   

A scientist walks into a bar

Watershed, 6pm.

Wander down to the Watershed and participate in experiments by having a pint of beer. The Tobacco and Alcohol research Group will be revealing why alcohol affects people differently, how the shape of our glass influences our drinking speed and whether there’s any truth in the ‘beer-goggles’ effect.

Robots vs Animals

At-Bristol Research Fair, 8:45pm – 9:30pm

Robots vs Animals will demonstrate how researchers are using state-of-the-art robotics technology to learn about animal behaviour. Explore how ants build bridges, how robots learn and if a robot could become more like a bee.  

Science Cocktails

At-Bristol Research Fair 1pm – 10pm

Swap your usual glass of wine or pint of beer on a Friday night for a science cocktail. Head to At-Bristol for a DNA daiquiri, a Ricard rainbow and squashed frogs and find out what goes on in your brain whilst you drink them.

Stone bridge proposal for Bridge Valley Road

At-Bristol Research Fair 1pm – 10pm

Get involved with a proposal to build a stone arch bridge across Bridge Valley Road. Interact with a large foam model of the bridge, learn about stonemasonry and find out how this bridge could create a new legacy for Bristol.

Electric communication

At-Bristol Research Fair 1pm - 10pm

Discover the secret world of communication between flowers and bees and learn how they communicate using electric fields. Visitor can expect beehives and glitter.

All activities are free of charge, but some may require advance booking, so go to www.bristolbrightnight.com for the programme in full and to reserve tickets.