May Fest 2015 – the free family open day returns

 May Fest 2015
30 Apr 2015 11:51:29.140
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The University of Nottingham once more welcomes neighbours and alumni for its annual community open day on Saturday 9 May, 11am-5pm.

May Fest 2015 takes place on University Park with activities and events for all ages. The best part? It’s all free.

The full programme is available on the University’s website, so you can start planning your day now.
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What’s on

Whatever your age and interests, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include:

  • Physics live – see a ping pong ball shoot through a metal can, discover how a banana can bang in a nail, and find out how to make a real cloud using liquid nitrogen
  • Skulls and skeletons – have a go at making your own skull for display in the University’s museum
  • Archaeology for all – unleash your inner Indiana Jones and try your hand at excavating
  • Bio Racing Simulator – try the virtual reality racing simulator, reaching speeds of around 200mph 
  • Gardens and grounds tour – make the most of University Park’s award-winning green spaces by exploring the campus
  • Wattbike challenge – gear up to beat dementia by hopping on the Wattbike, and help raise funds for Life Cycle 5
And much more! There are also plenty of places to eat on campus, including cafes in Portland Building and Lakeside Arts Centre. You can even bring your own picnics to take advantage of University Park’s award-winning green spaces.

Putting the ‘uni’ in community

Everyone is welcome – following six successful May Fests, this year’s event will attract families from across the city and beyond to join the fun and see what staff and students at Nottingham get up to. In addition to the events on offer, we’ve got plenty of advisors on hand whether you are considering a return to education, or want to find out more about the University.

Professor Chris Rudd, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement, said: “May Fest is the biggest party in The University of Nottingham calendar.

“This is a chance for us to welcome our neighbours, showcase the work we do here and in the community, and enjoy a range of fantastic events offered by our staff and students. Whatever your age and interests, we hope to see you there.”

More information

Parking for May Fest is free of charge. For directions by road and public transport, visit the University’s getting to May Fest webpage

May Fest also marks the opening of registrations for Life Cycle 5 sponsored rides in August 2015 – get involved in the plan to raise £350,000 to fund world-leading research into earlier diagnosis and improved treatment of dementia. For more information, visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/lifecycle

For regular May Fest updates, follow @UniofNottingham or search #mayfest. Everything you need to know about May Fest can be found online at www.nottingham.ac.uk/mayfest

— Ends —

Our academics can now be interviewed for broadcast via our Media Hub, which offers a Globelynx fixed camera and ISDN line facilities at University Park campus. For further information please contact a member of the Communications team on +44 (0)115 951 5798, email mediahub@nottingham.ac.uk or see the Globelynx website for how to register for this service.

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Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham has 43,000 students and is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly global university, with campuses in China and Malaysia modelled on a headquarters that is among the most attractive in Britain’ (Times Good University Guide 2014). It is also one of the most popular universities in the UK among graduate employers and the winner of ‘Research Project of the Year’ at the THE Awards 2014. It is ranked in the world’s top one per cent of universities by the QS World University Rankings, and 8th in the UK by research power according to REF 2014.

The University of Nottingham in Malaysia (UNMC) is holding events throughout 2015 to celebrate 15 years as a pioneer of transnational education. Based in Semenyih, UNMC was established as the UK's first overseas campus in Malaysia and one of the first world-wide.

Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest-ever fundraising campaign, is delivering the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news…


Story credits

More information is available from Kelly Newman, Corporate Marketing Manager, University of Nottingham on +44 (0)115 0115 823 2346, kelly.newman@nottingham.ac.uk
Michael Jennings

Mike Jennings – Communications Officer

Email: michael.jennings@nottingham.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)115 84 66691 Location: University Park

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Media Relations - External Relations

The University of Nottingham
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telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 5798
email: pressoffice@nottingham.ac.uk