Big Bang North West 2019: The biggest and best yet!

By Caitlin Hart

The Big Bang North West welcomed over 8000 school children to the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on July 2 to enjoy a fun filled day of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities, from virtual reality experiences to colourful scientific shows.

Big Bang North West is an event for young people aged 5-18 that showcases the exciting opportunities and career paths that STEM has to offer. The event is sponsored by big names such as Unilever, Astra Zeneca and LEGO Education, companies that are passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Over 40 different companies and educational facilities set up interactive and hands-on exhibits, so visitors were not short of activities to take part in. Students experienced virtual reality, rode a mechanical horse, tried their hand at TV presenting and even raced go karts to be in with a chance of winning a 3D printer!

Educate Award sponsors, All About STEM, the organisers of Big Bang North West are well known for doing incredible things to promote science, technology, engineering and maths in schools, business, the community and beyond.

Michelle Dow, All About STEM Managing Director said: “Real companies, with real opportunities, face-to-face with thousands of young people from right across the North West!”

“This is about plugging the skills gap and ensuring that children are ready, appropriately qualified and skilled, to take up their place in the rapidly developing jobs landscape in the area. It’s so vitally important and, as the team responsible for delivering the event, we’re really excited about its potential… and it’s so much fun!”

Big Bang North West also held the regional final of the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition, so competitors were showcasing their entries throughout the day in the hopes of winning their place in the National Finals at the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham.

To add to the excitement, Liverpool Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram also attended the event to show his continued support and promotion of STEM in schools.

Glyn Roberts, Director and R&D of Unilever, the event’s headline sponsor, said: “As Unilever we are proud to be the headline sponsor at The Big Bang North West 2019: inspiring the next generation of scientists is a key part of Unilever’s commitment to STEM. It is our belief that what we do today will decide tomorrow’s future, and we believe that by helping to motivate students on the opportunities and challenges facing the world today that they can help bring about a bright future for everyone.”

It was a truly STEMsational day!