The inaugural Windermere Science Festival took place over 2 days on the weekend of Saturday, March 19, with attendances surprising even the organisers.

The festival attracted crowds of 1,000 people across the two days, and A further 400 school children enjoyed science shows as part of the festival’s outreach programme.

Some of the UK’s leading scientists and science entertainers including Professor Pumpernickel, Mad Science, the Institute of Physics, Science Grrrl, the Freshwater Biological Association as well as BBC TV presenter, physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski, Hydrologist Richard Brazier, sculptor Charlie Whinney, and marine engineer Richard Moss all converged on the shore of Windermere to explore the festival’s theme of water through entertainment, demonstrations, nature trails, and talks.

Will Stevens, a 9-year-old from Windermere said: "It was fantisimalibistus which means so outstandingly brilliant it needs a new word!"

Claire Harris, who attended with her two children, said "Normally we’d have to visit a city for an experience such as this, so to have a science festival on our doorstep has been fantastic."

Visitors were also able to visit Windermere’s freshwater mussel ark, take part in experiments, have a go at steam bending wood, discover the world of cold open water swimming, and build and race their own boat. 

The festival was the brainchild of event director, Nick Greenall who said: "I’ve long wanted to launch a science festival in Cumbria.

"The Windermere Jetty Museum proved a stunning backdrop for this event - where else could you see a vortex cannon exploding in a conservation workshop one minute and then enjoy an illuminating talk in a boat house the next?

"I’m grateful for all the support from Lakeland Arts, the Old Laundry Theatre and all our other collaborators in pulling this event together.

"I think we’re all a little taken aback by the event’s success!"

Ian Read from Lakeland Arts said: "We’re grateful to all the organisations who collaborated with us and enabled us to pull off this truly unique event. The feedback has been outstanding. My thanks to all the team who worked so hard to bring this festival to life."