Faire attraction
Maker Faire returns...
WHAT’S billed as the greatest show – and tell – on earth will make its return to Newcastle this spring with hundreds of weird and wonderful hi-tech bits of wizardry.
More than 300 inventors – several of them travelling from here across the world – will be showcasing their work at Life Science Centre.
Maker Faire UK is returning in April for a weekend of inventions, mindboggling gadgets on April 28 and 29.
These will spill over outside too, into Times Square where everything from giant robots to an animatronic T-Rex have drawn the crowds at past events.
The annual Maker Faire is always hugely popular, attracting around 10,000 visitors over its two-day run.
Besides offering an opportunity for a wide mix of hackers, crafters, coders, DIY-ers and garden shed inventors to show off their creations and share their passions, it inspires all ages to become involved themselves.
Children can explore and try out gadgets, as well as get hands-on with activities guaranteed to surprise, impress and make them think.
There will also be musicians, installations, drop-in workshops and speakers as the venue hosts something to see and do on all floors and in every space and corner.
Attractions at last year’s popular event ranged from drones and a baby T-Rex prowling around the Centre for Life; Photon Storm, a robot from the US version of Robot Wars; to Great British Bake Off finalist Andrew Smyth, who was busy serving up some scienceinspired baking in the form of a cake resembling rock crystal formations and the “cog wheel pies” he had become known for on Bake Off. Young ones, meanwhile, were trying their hand at the likes of soldering and microscopes. The venue has been hosting Maker Faire – inspired by the original American event – since 2009 and, having developed into an annual favourite, it now attracts visitors from across the country. This year’s event is set to be spectacular. A spokesman said: “Whether you want to unleash your inner inventor, find out how science, technology, engineering and maths shape the world around you or if you just fancy a great, hands-on day out, don’t miss Maker Faire.” The action is set start at 10am on both days and run until 6pm on Saturday and 5pm on the Sunday. Tickets are on sale now and cost £8 adults (£7 concessions) and £6 for those aged five to 17. Underfives are free and Life pass-holders can obtain 25% discounts. Family tickets are also available at £24 for either two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. See www. makerfaireuk.com