Council set to partner NI Science Festival
Sponsorship is set to cost £5000
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council looks set to partner the NI Science Festival, bringing special shows to two local venues.
A report due before the Community Development Committee this week said that the event is an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) that takes place every February across Northern Ireland.
Established to connect the public with the wonders of science, the festival offers hundreds of events over 11 days, ranging from interactive workshops and masterclasses to evening panel discussions and high-profile keynote speakers.
The report said: “While its main hub is in Belfast—utilising venues like Queen's University and the Ulster Museum—the festival is a truly regional event, with roadshows, exhibitions, and activities held in theatres, community centres, and outdoor spaces across every county of Northern Ireland. “
The 2027 NI Science Festival will take place from 10 – 21 February, and the council has been offered the opportunity to be a festival partner sponsor.
The report said: “Given the Council’s strategic investment in STEAM disciplines (particularly through the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at Global Point), it is proposed that the Council avails of this opportunity and makes a payment of £5,000 in sponsorship to NI Science Festival. “
In addition, it is planned to deliver two events for inclusion in the 2027 Festival Programme as follows: a show created by renowned scientific communicator Ray Bubbles called Diluting Science to be staged at the Courtyard Theatre on 14 February, and a show created by Northern Irish science educator Scientific Sue to be staged at the Old Courthouse Theatre on 17 February.
The report added: “The target audience for both shows will be families and schoolchildren, and tickets will be priced competitively to encourage a high attendance.
“In return for the sponsorship fee the council will receive recognition as a Festival sponsor partner across all MarComms including listing on all 12,000 programmes, brand placement on all promotional material at events and engagement across all social media platforms. There are a range of other potential benefits currently being explored with festival organisers including opportunities to be named sponsor of a theme or series of events which tie in with the Councils objectives.
“The provision of the £5,000 in sponsorship can be met from within the existing budgets of both the Economic Development and Culture Sections and it is proposed that each section makes a 50% contribution toward the overall £5,000 fee.
“Upon completion of the Festival, analysis of the benefits will be carried out with a view to maintaining this partnership with NI Science Festival in future years with any future proposal to be brought to members when appropriate. “