Science festival kicks off in Cheltenham (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Science festival kicks off in Cheltenham

THE ever more popular Cheltenham Science Festival began yesterday and runs until June 12, bringing with it a marvellous mix of scientific material to suit all tastes and all ages.

This year's festival takes its visitors further into science's most controversial and cutting edge ideas as the world of sensory substitution, parallel universes and brain transformations.

From time travel to narcolepsy, they go on an explorations of science from Other Worlds through developing countries, extreme environments and altered states.

High profile names and leading scientiests include guest director David Puttnam, mathematician Roger Penrose, best-selling author Philip Pullman, journalist John Humphrys, cosmologist Lisa Randall and chief scientific advisor to the government David King - plus everybody's favourite scientist Robert Winston.

Hot topics this year include climate change, face transplants, nanotechnology and how to treat the terminally ill. The new Late Night Lab will investigate hypnosis and psychic readings and will include live experiments with audience.

The packed family programme includes Blazing Science, How to be a Spy and Simon Singh exploring the Big Band. Become an animated hero in the free interactive science space, the Discovery Zone, where you can also try out the climbing wall, mind games and robot wars.

From Alien Invaders and Slam the Atom to the Science of Champagne and the Science of Love - it's all happening in Cheltenham over the next few days.

More information from www.cheltenhamfestivals.org.uk. Bookings on 01242 227979.