The Big Bang is the UK’s first national fair celebrating young people’s achievements in science and engineering. The Big Bang is celebrating both science and engineering talent in the UK to ensure this talent is nurtured for the future.

The event is being held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, London from the 4th-6th of March 2009, just prior to National Science and Engineering Week. The Big Bang’s aim is to motivate schools and young people from diverse backgrounds to embrace science, technology, engineering and maths, especially those that do not have achievements in these subjects.
 
Over the three days, nearly nine thousand young people; teachers; representatives from science and engineering organisations and employers; government ministers; members of parliament; and peers are expected to attend this event. It will span seven floors of the QE2 Centre, featuring compelling theatre shows, activities and hands on investigations, and opportunities to see the many real world applications of science and technology. School groups arrive for half-day sessions, where they will see one theatre show, and take part in one activity and one workshop from a huge choice.
 
The Big Bang is free to all who attend but spaces are limited, maintained schools have been especially encouraged. Only visiting school groups are able to register and those interested can do so at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk, Already 20 London schools and approximately 500 students have confirmed their attendance.
 
The Big Bang also features the newly established National Science Competition. Featuring 200 project stands showcasing highly innovative science and engineering projects. A number of prizes will be awarded on March 5th, including UK Young Scientist of the Year and UK Young Technologist of the Year.