Parent Reviews: 2022 2019, 2018, 2017
Bluedot Festival is an award-winning journey of discovery at the grounds of a deep space observatory. Set against a backdrop of the iconic Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank, Bluedot combines a truly stellar line-up of music with a ground-breaking programme of live science experiments, expert talks and immersive artworks.
In an era of political divisiveness and environmental uncertainty, Bluedot aims to cultivate a unifying celebration for citizens of the world. Its 2017 message is loud and clear: look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. (Carl Sagan, 1934—1996).
OUR MISSION
To inspire and entertain.
To explore the frontiers of human advancement.
To celebrate science and the exploration of the universe.
To explore the intersections of science, culture, art and technology.
To highlight the fragility of planet Earth.
Highlights for families:
Festival kidz visited Bluedot for the first time in 2017 and we can confirm that this is a very special festival indeed. Where it’s cool to be a scientist, where learning is celebrated, where minds are challenged and hearts fit to burst with an incredible music lineup in a truly wondrous setting.
“We have built a wonderland for the next generation of scientists and artists to explore. With experiments, workshops, activities happening each day that the whole family can enjoy together bluedot is the perfect place for all ages to enjoy themselves while being safe and sound”.
Family festival goers can discover a world of wonder in our intergalatic key family areas which are packed full of cool science shows, hands-on activities, amazing animations, a dazzling array of surprising tricks, science superheroes and weird brain illusions – all designed for the young and young at heart!
The Star Field – Discuss and explore the latest discoveries with our very own festival scientists in a series of tents and stalls packed with scientific displays, games and interactive experiments.
The Space Pavilion– Enjoy high energy interactive shows and catch dazzling science demnostrations! The Space Pavillion plays host to a wide range of shows designed especially for our family festival goers. The journey to discovery starts here for every age range. Expect to be surprised by a dazzling array of mindblowing tricks, giant bubbles, science superheroes and weird brain illusions, with loads of chances to join in.
Mission Control – The exhibition area will bring to life a collection of artefacts and models on display, ready to inspire all ages!
The Arboretum – Enjoy the fresh air, and a sumptuous picnic while the children run free in our kids play area and become the next Jedi in our brand new Star Wars Light Saber training camp.
Music
5 stages of music. Music tends to be more geared towards electronica but there are plenty of other options available across a variety of covered and open air venues.
Food and drink
With a gastronomy village, real ale festival and mixology area, there will be an array of culinary delights to enjoy.
Accessibility
Accessibility is great as the infrastructure from Jodrell Bank is already in place. This means that much of the site has flat paved walkways in between the stages.
Read our reviews of the festival in 2017, 2018 and 2019.