I used to think that Techfest was limited to educational events for schools, with a heavy emphasis on Meccano and cuddly tarantulas. But over the last couple of years I have been to some brilliant events which have taught me how to survive in a zombie apocalypse, why true monogamy is impossible and how you can poison someone and get away with it (spoiler: you can't). As a convert to this celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, here are my top picks from 2018's public program. Hope to see you there!
N.B. Links to the booking page for every show if you click on the show title.
Fascinating Forensics
I have to be honest - I love some grisly detail, hence why we run Crime Pays Tours. I was therefore very excited to see this offering on the program with recently retired pathologist Professor James Grieve and SPA forensic biologist Chris Gannicliffe. They'll be debunking some of the CSI-style depictions of forensics, as well as delving into how technology has had an impact on modern day forensics.
DATE: FRIDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER TIME: 7.00pm COST: £5.00, £4.00 Concession VENUE: Fraser Noble Building, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UE
The Bartender's Guide to Preservation
Picture credit: 10 Dollar Shake
Is it just me or is fermented food having something of a moment right now? Adrian Gomes of 10 Dollar Shake (the people who brought us The Tippling House and Rye & Soda) talks about natural methods for preserving food and drink. And if the educational side of things wasn't enough for you, you also get 3 cocktails and 3 canapes included in the ticket price. Cheers!
DATE: MONDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER TIME: 6.30pm - 8.00pm COST: £25.00 (includes three drinks/cocktails and three canapes per person) VENUE: The Tippling House, 4 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JE
Wonder Workers
Photo credit: Matt Pritchard
Dr Matt Pritchard is a scientist and a magician. A scientist AND a magician. And a bloody good magician too - only one of 300 people in the world to become an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle. That puts him on the same level as Dynamo. He will be using magic to explore the ways that scientists and magicians have collided and collaborated over the years.
DATE: WEDNESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER TIME: 6.30pm COST: £4.00, £3.00 Concession VENUE: Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus, AB10 7GJ
Universilly Challenged
Like most geeks, I love a pub quiz. And what could be better than a quiz combined with a cabaret? I have no idea how this will work but it sure sounds interesting. A pub quiz with a twist, promising unusual rounds like the 'Origami Olympics' and 'The Leaning Tower of Pasta'.
DATE: FRIDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2018 TIME: 8.00pm COST: £4.00, £3.00 Concession VENUE: Triple Kirks, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1JT
The Ugly Animal Roadshow
Like the internet, we can't get enough of weird looking animals. But have you ever thought about why some animals look particularly unusual? This show sets out to explain why some animals look downright peculiar, alongside plenty of audience participation.
DATE: SATURDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2018 TIME: 4.00pm COST: £4.00, £3.00 Concession VENUE: Arts Lecture Theatre, University of Aberdeen, 569 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5SU
Those are my choices for Techfest, but what have I missed? Share your recommendations in the comments.
