Valleys Discovery Festival: 14th May to 21st May 2011
The Valleys Discovery Festival welcomes communities and visitors to this unique part of the world to celebrate the role the area has played in the way we live and see the world and discover the area through science, technology, nature, health, and heritage.
The valleys of South Wales have a proud tradition of producing and influencing scientists, technologists, engineers, and doctors whose discoveries and inventions have shaped and created the world we live in.
Over 40 events and activities are associated with this first-ever Valleys Discovery Festival ranging from space rock shows, fossil hunts, wonderful wildlife walks, and the science of extreme sports.
To view the full line up of events visit the Valleys Discovery Festival website. There is no need to prebook as all events are free. However, if you would like to reserve a place for any of the events below, please contact 01495 708022.
EVi Cultural Centre will host a number of these events, which include:
CSI Valleys
Tuesday 17th May 2011, 12:30 – 1:30pm
The valleys' very-own renowned forensic scientist, Nigel Hodge, will give you a very special view of how modern molecular biology can solve serious crimes
DNA: Look up your genes
Tuesday 17th May 2011, 10:30 – 3pm
With the new genealogy centre due to open in Ebbw Vale later this year, come along and discover the secrets of DNA. What is it, how does make us who we are and how we inherit our ancestors’ characteristics?
Featuring Drs Rachel Iredale, Kim Madden and Rhian Morgan from the University of Glamorgan, and Claudine Anderson from Cardiff University/Techniquest/Wales Gene Park.
And look up your heritage with Cybertyleri and the Blaenau Gwent Local/family history team! Robots and all.
Rock Guitar in 11 dimensions by Dr Mark Lewney
Tuesday 17th May 2011, from 7pm
“What causes the revolutionary, history-changing sound of rock guitar, and how does it help us to understand the nature of the stuff we’re made of? Famelab winner Mark Lewney explains the physics of rock using riffs from Vivaldi to AC/DC, explains the secret of the Stradivarius, and shows how string vibrations might lie at the heart of the Big Questions about the universe.”
“Gobsmackingly amazing … a high energy performer” Simon Singh, science writer
“A cross between Einstein and Jimi Hendrix” CBBC
Local History of Gwent
Wednesday 18th May 2011, from 2pm
Glyn Walters, Local Historian will be on hand to show and discuss local historical archives via ProMo-Cymru’s Pixel touchscreen
Film showings, information and discussions will take place from 2pm.
If you have any films/photographs of local interest, please feel free to bring them along.
Life and Death in Victorian Times
Wednesday 18th May 2011, 7pm
The incomparable Roger Morgan dons his Victorian surgeon’s garb, dims his oil-lamp and sharpens his instruments for an evening of surgery and medicine in Victorian times with humour, horror and knowledge!
