Space is the place!

Name: Phoebe Benta. How would you describe your role?: My role at the Barnaby festival is to co-ordinate the Space School, running over two days on the site of ‘La Lune’. Currently I am liaising with local schools, science clubs and professional providers to provide creative, hands-on experiments and activities aimed at families. How did you first get involved with the festival?: I first heard about Barnaby Festival last year while studying events management at Sheffield Hallam University. I now live in Macclesfield where the festival takes place. I saw the festival wanted volunteers to help run some of their activities and thought why not? It’s a great way to get involved with the community. Tell us more about the events you’re involved with this year: Some of the activities that will be taking place in the Space School includes: l » Design a constellation using LEDs and conductive paint l» Humanoid robot demonstrations l» Space simulations and games using iPads What’s been the biggest challenge so far?: The biggest challenge is putting the event schedule together, making sure I have enough activities to fill the day and being able to find spare time. What are you looking forward to this year?: I am looking forward to seeing children getting involved and excited with the activities at the Space School and all the other activities across the festival, and I’m waiting to see the Astronomer’s Story come to life in Macclesfield with a star-filled town, where festival attendees will experience the tale of an eccentric astronomer who has bought the moon and the stars down to Earth. What’s the best thing about the festival?: The best thing about the festival is that anyone and everyone can be a part of it from a spectator at the parade to the local shops getting involved with the space theme. It’s a very inclusive festival. What do you think the festival has done for the town, and what would you wish for the future?: This week makes a year since I relocated to Macclesfield and seeing a charity like Barnaby being so involved with the community is refreshing. What have you learned from your experience as a volunteer?: I have learnt a lot in such a short time from logistics behind the scenes to scheduling. It is definitely a great experience that would help me in my day-to-day work as an events co-ordinator.

The Space School runs on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, from 10am-5pm each day at Christ Church Lawn, Macclesfield. The picture below is by Fiona Bailey.