Strabane in its element as NI Science Festival set to return

Residents young and old are being encouraged to explore something new as Strabane prepares to play host to a series of stirring events as part of the 2022 NI Science Festival next month.

The STEM celebration, which has grown to become the largest of its kind on the island of Ireland, boasts more than 120 events taking place over 11 days from Thursday 17 – Sunday 27 February throughout NI – with a selection of events scheduled to take place in the Alley Theatre.

Fresh from her biggest show yet to a packed-out Ulster Hall in Belfast, Emer Maguire is set to perform in the Alley Theatre for her first ever hometown show on Saturday 26th February. Emer flawlessly blends laugh out loud musical comedy, science, and Northern Irish charm. Her hilarious brand of musical comedy combined with snippets of science and fun facts makes for a truly unique comedy performance.

On Sunday 27th February at the Alley Theatre, BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates takes you on an unforgettable, explosive edible adventure exploring the bizarre science behind our food in Fartology - Gastronaut Live!

This is a food show like no other: expect vortex cannons, explosions, glowing drinks, edible chemical reactions, colour-changing cocktails and loads of audience interaction in an hilarious and thoroughly educational show. Stefan is renowned for his world-class science and food shows.

For the film buff, book your tickets now to a special screening of 1980s sci-fi classic Back to the Future on Friday 25th February. Marty and Doc as they take you back to 1955 via 1985 in the iconic DeLorean

All tickets are available on the Alley Theatre website www.alley-theatre.com or call the box office on 028 71 384444.

Commenting on the launch of the 2022 NI Science Festival, the festival director, Chris McCreery, says: "Our festival exists to engage audiences, stimulate discussion, and ignite interest in the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and we're confident this year's diverse programming will expand the horizons of festival goers of all ages and abilities across Northern Ireland."

NI Science Festival is supported by the Department for the Economy, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, British Council Northern Ireland, MCS Group, The Open University NI, Innovate UK, Matrix NI, Film Hub NI and Arts & Business NI.

The 2022 NI Science Festival runs 17–27 February 2022. For more information about NI Science Festival events and to book, visit nisciencefestival.com. Keep up to date with the festival on social media via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.