Wednesday 30 April 2014

(almost all) Completely FREE stuff to do in ABERDEEN this week.. MAY FESTIVAL PICKS



The 6th of May is the start of the University of Aberdeen May Festival MAY-HEM. There are LOADS of events taking place for adults and families across the weekend. Lots are bookable in advance but there are lots of drop in sessions too. I've rounded up my picks of the bunch below. 

These events still have tickets available but they are going really quickly so book fast to avoid disappointment! I am volunteering at the festival and have helped to organise a number of events and I will be around the whole weekend and for plenty of the MAY-HEM events too. Click the title for links through to further info. 

MAY-HEM

Tues 6th PechaKucha Aberdeen 7pm Belmont Cinema, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK
A night of image based presentations from a number of different speakers in Aberdeen showcasing interesting music, photography, stories and projects. Always good fun and always a great mix of ideas. Talks will include space art, music, vegan food and a whole lot more!

Thurs 8th The Brahan Seer Legend 7.30pm Cellar 35, FREE NO NEED TO BOOK (get there early!)
Aberdeen Skeptics present another laid back talk and discussion night. This time with Dr Alex Sutherland who will explore the strategies used by those who believe  in prophecy to perpetuate their belief, using the Scottish Highlands’ Brahan Seer legend as a model.

The MAY FESTIVAL 2014 - 9th - 11th May - ALL EVENTS ARE TICKETED! 

Friday 9th May

In WWI there were huge numbers of casualties, but surprisingly around one third of all deaths were due to hidden killers - infections. This talk will explore the fatal culprits involved and how infections could have been prevented
With the help of one of Scotland’s leading population statisticians and a panel of experts, this event thematically debates the underlying changes which have made Scotland a more cosmopolitan, vibrant and diverse nation. How have these new Scots, including our thriving Asian and Polish communities, added to our national distinctiveness?
Hear short (3 min) talks from postgraduate students at the University of Aberdeen about their research subjects. - this session should be good and a very good chance to hear from some of the possible professors of the future. 
Descriptor is in the title! Should be an interesting talk! 

Saturday 10th May

Natural Produce Market 10-4 (drop in)
Drop in and BUY FOOD! Taking place in Elphinstone Hall
Step into the bus outside Elphinstone Hall. Come aboard our new mobile bone health truck GO-MOBILE, bringing latest scanning techniques for osteoporosis to doorsteps across the North of Scotland.

David Bond: Project Wild Thing 1.30 - 3.30 pm (£6/£4)
Project Wild Thing is the hilarious, real-life story of one man’s determination to get children out and into the ultimate, free wonder-product: Nature. Film Screening followed by a discussion. Project Wild Thing is a film led movement to get more kids (and their folks!) outside and reconnecting with nature. The film is an ambitious, feature-length documentary that takes a funny and revealing look at a complex issue, the increasingly disparate connection between children and nature.

Genetic Testing for You? 1.30 - 2.30 pm (FREE)
Professor Miedzybrodzka, Co-director of the University of Aberdeen Centre for Genome-enabled Biology and Medicine and Clinical Director for NHS Grampian Genetics Services, will describe how state-of-the-art genetic testing is personalising everyday medical care, helping people to make life choices and improving the health of the people of Scotland.
Neil Fachie was born with a degenerative eye-condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. This talk seeks to explain how sport has helped him realise this needn't be a limiting factor in his life. A light-hearted look back at his life to date, culminating in Paralympic success at London 2012.

Bright Club 8.30 pm - LATE! (£6/4)
THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME! Bright Club returns for 2014. It's a comedy night with a difference.. featuring sets from researchers from the University of Aberdeen (you might well see one of your current/old lecturers on stage) and the amazing Eleanor Morton. Bright Club is where brains and comedy collide to bring you an entertaining night of laughs and new ideas.

Sunday 11th May  

Hack 'n' Make Faire 10-4 (drop in)
FREE. Drop in and make cool stuff all day! 

Step into the bus outside Elphinstone Hall. Come aboard our new mobile bone health truck GO-MOBILE, bringing latest scanning techniques for osteoporosis to doorsteps across the North of Scotland.

Health or Wealth 12 - 1.30 pm (FREE)
Debate! What really impacts on our health and wellbeing? Is it down to the food on our plates or the money in our pockets? Does environment matter more than exercise? Come and join a lively panel debate featuring wide-ranging views on the tough questions concerning the wellbeing of people in Scotland. With Dr John Bone (Sociologist, University of Aberdeen), Dr Sandra Carlisle (Anthropologist, University of Aberdeen), Ewan Gurr (Trussell Trust Scottish Coordinator) and Ally Prockter (Head of Community, Aberdeen Football Club). Chaired by the BBC’s Health Correspondent Eleanor Bradford.

With so many hot potatoes here, one can only speculate how Professor R. J. Berry will grasp the nettles! But grasp them he will. Known for his scientific acumen as well as his Christian faith, this lecture will promise much for the scientists and the Christians as well as the undecided!

Energy versus Anxiety 2 - 3pm (FREE) 
DEBATE! We’ll explore the basic question of whether developing technologies can really keep the lights on? A panel of industry and academic experts will discuss the challenges and what energy choices might look like in the future. A lively afternoon with plenty of time for audience comments and questions. With Professor Jim Anderson, John Scrimgeour, Dr Euan Bain (all University of Aberdeen) and Jeremy Cresswell (Editor, P&J Energy Supplement). Chaired by the BBC’s Eleanor Bradford.

In Conversation with Kate Adie 3 - 4.30 pm (£10/£8)
Kate Adie blazed a trail for journalism, and for women, reporting live from war zones and hot spots around the world.

Kitchen Killers 4.30 - 5.30 pm (FREE)
DEBATE! Expert scientists present what’s known about common kitchen bugs that can cause serious illness to you. Take part in a discussion to find out the best way to stay safe in your kitchen. Presented by Professor Hugh Pennington (Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology, University of Aberdeen), Professor Norval Strachan, Dr Kenneth Forbes (both University of Aberdeen) and Dr Kevin Pollock (Senior Epidemiologist at Health Protection Scotland).

The Battle for Britain 6 - 7pm (£6/4)
The Independence Referendum is the single most important constitutional issue in the United Kingdom's history since its inception. Journalist and broadcaster David Torrance, acclaimed for his political biographies, uses his latest book, The Battle of Britain, to set the scene for a May Festival debate with a panel of distinguished guests.


There are LOADS of exhibitions taking place too - I will be putting a separate post for those up as you do not need to book to see them.

I produce lists of events going in Aberdeen that sound interesting and are a bit science-y. Seen any other interesting events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

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