Vikings, bugs, and a famous wartime bear are among the colourful cast that will feature at the Marathon Oil Schools' Festival.
The event marks the beginning of the University’s May Festival, and schools across Aberdeen City and Shire are being invited to register their interest in sending pupils and teachers to Old Aberdeen to enjoy the wide range of free activities taking place at the University’s King’s College campus.
These include interactive sessions where pupils can find out about the daily lives of Vikings, learn of the incredible variety of bug life that inhabits the local area, and listen to stories about the exploits of Wotjek the Bear, the Polish war hero who retired to Edinburgh Zoo.
There is also the chance for pupils to hear from explorer Matt Dickinson on tackling Everest and his adventures across Antarctica and the Sahara Desert, as well as create their own comic in a masterclass being run by Beano and Marvel artist and writer Kev F.
In addition, the University’s Special Collections and Museums team will be offering Ancient Egypt Experience days, and there will be an introduction to the fascinating world of engineering design courtesy of TechFest, where pupils will be shown how to make their very own K’nex Car.
The Marathon Oil Schools’ Festival takes place prior to the main festival, which will run from Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31. The event is now in its third year and will encompass a greater range of topics and areas of interest than ever before.
A dedicated Children’s May Festival will also run over the weekend 30 and 31 May, and will include a variety of events guaranteed to fire young imaginations, including the chance for kids to create and star in their own play, watch a performance that celebrates the world’s ugliest animals, and take part in a rap and street poetry workshop with local hip-hop recording artist M.C.
Festival co-ordinator Jill Burnett said: “Both the Schools’ and Children’s Festivals have proved to be hugely popular in previous years, thanks to the fantastic variety of events that never fail to educate and entertain young minds.
“This year will be no different, and we are looking forward to welcoming children from across Aberdeen City and Shire to our King’s College campus in Old Aberdeen, where they can feed their imaginations with our great selection of events including storytelling, music, science, and interactive workshops.
“All of the events on the Schools’ Programme remain free of charge thanks to the continued support we receive from Marathon Oil, but many will book up quickly, so we are encouraging schools in Aberdeen City and Shire to email or contact us directly on our dedicated booking line to avoid disappointment.”
Carl Hubacher, UK regional Vice President, Marathon Oil, said: “The May Festival is a wonderful event that inspires and educates children, and we are proud to continue our support again this year.”
To arrange a booking, contact the May Festival Events Team on 01224 273233 or email festival@abdn.ac.uk