Interactive technology festival to thrill young in Stratford

Children from across the borough will be able to rub shoulders with scientists and get hands-on experience of technology at a four-week long pop-up festival in Stratford.

Technopop is a free a ground breaking festival focusing on new science, technology, design and innovation specifically for children. It will run from October 8 until November 2 at The International Quarter in Stratford City.

It is aimed at children aged between six and 19-years-old, to get them interested and enthusiastic about STEM subjects, science, technology, engineering and maths, to show them a window on the exciting worlds they open up.

During the four weeks, the subjects covered will include everything from space and astronomy, to digital technology, the built environment, sport science and the human body.

It is free to attend for schools, colleges and youth groups, with a programme that includes interactive workshops, careers advice and inspirational speakers as well as a fully immersive technology exhibition.

Week 1 focuses on science with a stellar panel of speakers assembled from the fields of space, aviation, astronomy and weather. They include: Professors Carl Murray and Richard Nelson from Queen Mary University of London, Professor Chris Welch, International Space University & British Interplanetary Society and Dr Sheila Kanani from the Royal Astronomical Society.

There will also be events supporting World Space Week running throughout the festival, appearances by the likes of BBC science and engineering presenter, Fran Scott and Paxi, a friendly alien from the European Space Agency, as well as family shows from the Science Museum, workshops on robot programming and the chance to find out how to train like an astronaut as part of Mission X and get to grips with the workings of a real space suit. To find out more go to www.technopop.co.uk​