Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

From the end of July, the presenters of new Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One science series, Bang Goes The Theory, will be touring the nation, giving seven towns and cities the chance to participate in interactive science shows that bring science to life in front of the audiences' eyes.

People in Glasgow, Bristol, Belfast, Blackpool, Swansea, Birmingham and Newcastle are being given a special invitation to join in the fun, when the Bang Goes The Theory Roadshow starts its two-month tour.

"These roadshows aim to spark the nation's curiosity about science," says Dr Yan Wong, presenter.

"Getting people to explore the world around them is really the essence of science, and that's what we are trying to encourage."

Combining live science shows with the presenters and a special interactive area, the free roadshow – organised by Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Learning – will give the public the chance to get hands on with science. At least one of the presenters will attend each of the roadshow events.

"For me, science is about trying things out and getting your hands dirty," says Dallas Campbell, fellow presenter.

"The best way to explain how something works is by showing it in action. I want science to engage with people's natural curiosity and we're hoping that families all around the country will come along to the events to try new things out and learn more about science."

The interactive tour is visiting the following towns and cities:

• Glasgow River Festival – 25/26 July
• Bristol Harbour Festival – 1/2 August
• Belfast Maritime Festival – 13/14/15 August
• Blackpool Promenade – 22/23 August
• Swansea City Centre – 5/6 September
• Birmingham ArtsFest – 12/13 September
• Newcastle Mela – 26/27 September

The free tour will give thousands of people the opportunity to put science to the test and is just one part of a multimedia Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ campaign to bring science into the nation's lives.

As well as the TV programme (starting Monday 27 July at 7.30pm), the roadshow will be accompanied by online activities, including science demos that can be recreated at home by the whole family.

In addition to the regional roadshows, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's 21cc and L.A.B. will be conducting science and film making workshops connected to the series in London and Salford (25–27 August) and Glasgow (20 July).

The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ buses will also be on the road, taking interactive Bang Goes The Theory table top science shows to the Big Chill (8 and 9 August), Pembrokeshire Show (18–20 August) and the Shrewsbury Folk Festival (August Bank Holiday weekend).

To find out more about Bang Goes The Theory and the multimedia learning campaign (including the roadshow) visit bbc.co.uk/bang.

Notes to Editors

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Learning delivers campaigns that aim to inspire and empower individuals to take action – action that changes their lives, benefits communities and helps to transform society. For more information, visit bbc.co.uk/learning.

Consultants on the roadshow are Science Shows For Schools – www.scienceshowsforschools.com.

Bang Goes The Theory will also be teaming up with local science centres at all the roadshow locations.

Bang Goes The Theory starts on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One on Monday 27 July 2009 (10 x 30-minutes) and is an Open University/Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ co-production.

For more information about the OU, visit www.open2.net/banggoesthetheory.

VAA