This page has information about our access performances and accessibility provisions in our Festival venues
We welcome all visitors to our events and make every effort to ensure that the activities in our programme are as accessible as possible.
If you have a specific requirement or any questions about what we offer, please email us access@scifest.co.uk or phone us on 0131 553 0320.
Planning your visit
Edinburgh Science Festival Introduction – Shaping the Future 2024
Welcome to the Edinburgh Science Festival, the world’s first and largest celebration of science! Immerse yourself in a two–week extravaganza from 30 March–14 April 2024, where we bring science to life through an exciting array of events, workshops, shows, and talks for all ages.
This year’s Science Festival explores the theme of Shaping the Future, showcasing some of the cutting-edge science that can help us create a future that is sustainable, accessible and equal for all.
Our diverse programme caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a science enthusiast, a curious mind, a creative or a family looking for an educational adventure.
Join us in creating unforgettable memories as we delve into the fascinating world of science together. The Edinburgh Science Festival invites you to be a part of this global celebration, where innovation and curiosity collide to inspire the scientists in all of us.
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Bakineering
1 hour family show for ages 8+
Sunday 31 March, 2.30pm to 3:30pm
National Museum of Scotland, Auditorium
£8
Join former Great British Bakeoff finalist and creator and judge of Netflix’s Baking Impossible, Andrew Smyth for an edible exploration of the engineering of baking. With audience tasters and live demonstrations, this fast-paced family show takes you on a journey via sea, road and sky to discover the hidden engineering inside his bakes. Children must be accompanied by an Adult.
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The Secret Psychology of Magic
1 hour talk for adults
Monday 8 April, 8pm to 9pm
National Museum of Scotland, Auditorium
£12/£10
Join psychologist and magician Prof Richard Wiseman as he explores the secret world of magic and illusion. See some of the world’s great optical illusions, explore the secret psychology of magic, find out why learning to perform the impossible is good for you, and discover how to transform a tea towel into a chicken! A fun, entertaining and interactive journey into the fascinating world of mystery and magic.
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Our Accidental Universe
1 hour talk for adults
Friday 12 April, 6pm to 7pm
National Museum of Scotland, Auditorium
£12/£10
Join BBC presenter of ‘Sky at Night’, and Gresham Professor of Astronomy, Chris Lintott, as he takes us on an astonishing tour of bizarre accidents, big characters, and human error to tell the story of some of the most important astronomical events of the past hundred years. As new telescopes are built on mountaintops and in deserts around the world, aiming to transform our view of the universe once more, Chris Lintott shows us that keeping an open mind will benefit us all – whatever might still be out there for us to find.
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Silent Archive
1hr BSL exhibition tour for all ages
Sunday 7 April, 2pm to 3pm
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith house
£5
Painful truths, surprising revelations and fresh perspectives on humanity’s complex relationships with the botanical world emerge from our exhibition Silent Archive. International artists reveal the archives of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) in new ways, challenging us to discover hidden narratives and hear long-ignored voices that are preserved in our collections. Significant works that tell stories of scientific discoveries, colonial histories and cultural heritage are displayed for the first time. Plant artistry, photography, music and more help convey how these archives shape our view of history, whose past they represent and how they might inspire change.
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Accessible Events and Additional Resources
If there is something specific you would like to request for an event or ask a question, please call our Box Office on 0131 553 0320 or email boxoffice@scifest.co.uk. We are developing an Accessibility Guide for the 2024 Festival with accessible performance listings, venue information and other access information. This will be downloadable in PDF format below –please get in contact if you require a print version.
Searching for Events
Events for the 2024 Science Festival are available to book from Thursday 15 February, online and over the phone.
If you would like a copy of the brochure in a different format sent to your address, please email our marketing team and we will do our best to provide you with one in your desired format.
