Member Article

Fun family show for future engineers

Young engineers of the future are encouraged to come along to the Ricoh Arena for a fantastic fun day out for all the family.

The inter-active Imagineering Fair, sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover, will be a hive of activity in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall once again on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9 with a great variety of engineering and technology activities for eight-to-16-year-olds.

Over 20 organisations have already confirmed their attendance including Jaguar Land Rover, National Grid, Severn Trent, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, the Museum of Arts and Design Museum, Meccano Challenge, Rotec Engineering, Coventry University and the University of Warwick.

Bob Shanks, chairman of the Imagineering Fair, said this was the fourth time the show had been held at the Ricoh Arena.

“This is an exciting fun family day out and there are plenty of activities to provide hands-on experience of the world of engineering,” he said.

“Youngsters will be able to see how technology relates to our every day lives which we don’t always realise and we hope the show will inspire the next generation of engineers.

“The feedback both from the young visitors, their parents and the companies involved is always really positive.

“The Jaguar Exhibition Hall is always buzzing with youngsters having a go at making something or finding out about how an item works from a technology perspective.

“All the organisations taking part provide activities to satisfy the curiosity of youngsters who may be interested in different elements of engineering so there will be racing cars, rockets and robotics as well as bridge-building, lasers and mechanical challenges.

“It is an educational, enjoyable day out and, since it is being held in November, it is all under one roof indoors.”

Caroline Lissaman, head of planning at the Ricoh Arena, said around 4,000 visitors had attended last year which emphasised its popularity.

“The Imagineering Foundation organises several Imagineering Fairs across the UK each year and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Ricoh Arena in November,” she said.

“The Midlands is renowned as a hot-bed for engineering talent across the globe since so many world-famous names are situated in the Coventry and Warwickshire area.

“Anyone thinking about pursuing a career in engineering, science or technology should come along to have a go at the activities lined-up and find out all about the subject in an entertaining way.”

The Imagineering Fair is organised by the Imagineering Foundation, an education charity providing fun, hands-on engineering and technology activities and rewarding personal engagement for young people, working with manufacturers, utilities, engineering organisations and educational centres to inspire the engineers of the future.

The popular two-day show is open on Saturday, November 8 from 9am-5pm and Sunday, November 9 from 9am-4pm. Early bird tickets are already on sale through The Ticket Factory at www.theticketfactory.com or by ringing 0844 338 8000 priced at £15 for a family ticket of two adults and three children, £6 for adults, and £3 for children aged five-to-16-year-olds and concessions. Tickets are valid for both days.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .