IF Oxford's headline event a big hit at Oxford North

Oxford North welcomed hundreds of people to the return of Oxford Science and Ideas Festival’s headline event, Zone ONE.

People of all ages enjoyed an action-packed afternoon of friendly science-based immersive activities, demonstrations and experiments.

Zone ONE, the Festival’s flagship event, inspired guests, via activities including drone football, robotics engineering, chemistry and coloured glass, and mixing words and phrases with award-winning poetry collective, Live Canon.

Guests also enjoyed the spectacle of Creation Theatre, as they showcased its performance of Orbit through a series of short films viewable on QR codes around Fallaize Park, inspired by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson’s eight glass polyhedrons, ‘Your planetary assembly’.

Actors responded to the planets scientific and cultural characteristics by personifying each sculpture to create a playful representation of the Solar System.

Commissioned by IF Oxford for Oxford North, Orbit forms part of the district’s Engage programme, alongside Zone ONE. Both sit within the wider programme curated by The Oxford Science and Ideas Festival. The partnership reflects Oxford North’s commitment to art, culture, creating social value and legacy.

Collaboration

Simon Ruck, managing director of Oxford North, said: “Zone ONE uses the wonder of science to inspire children and families. It was a pleasure to see so many people from our local community enjoy the event.

“Thank you to everyone who collaborated and passionately shared their knowledge to create an atmosphere of curiosity throughout the event at Oxford North.”

Victoria Collett, development director of Thomas White Oxford and chair of Oxford North’s public art steering group, said: “We were proud to host Zone ONE for a second year running as part of our continued commitment to connecting Oxford North to the rich and varied culture of the city.

“It was fantastic to see so many families enjoy engaging science-based activities at this event, which is the cornerstone of our art and culture programme, Engage.”

Dr Dane Comerford, director of IF Oxford, said: “Oxford North makes for the perfect backdrop for Zone ONE, a place that encourages discovery, creativity and possibility within people of all ages, and inspiring to see children, families and adults see themselves in science. It was wonderful to produce another successful year and maintain our strong partnership with Oxford North.”

Guests also enjoyed delicious food and drink during the event at Taylors Oxford North.