The chance to see a banana tree, meet a humanoid robot, get some free personal fitness training and read the news on television are just some of the attractions on offer at Aberystwyth University’s community open day, Access All Areas, which takes place on Saturday 21 June.
Now in its second year, Access All Areas this year offers a varied and exciting programme of activities at six locations; Aberystwyth Arts Centre, the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies (Parry-Williams building), the University’s Sport Centre and the Botany Gardens on the Penglais campus, and the Old College and the Bandstand in town.
And for those who wish to visit exhibits on the Penglais campus and in town, there will be free travel on the 03 bus service that runs at regular intervals between the University, the National Library and the town.
At Aberystwyth Arts Centre, visitors will be able to discuss the psychology behind illusions, meet a medieval merchant and a Victorian scientist, de-cipher and decode messages to locate a secret treasure, discuss the concept of nuclear zero and see some amazing maps, and much more.
The University’s Sport Centre is offering free taster sessions including Bodyfit, Pilates, Zumba and personal training sessions.
The Botany Gardens, situated across the way from the main entrance to the Penglais campus, offers the opportunity of seeing some truly weird and wonderful species, including carnivorous plants that feed on insects, the largest flowering herb (a banana), and cocoa and coffee plants.
The Old College will also be open, with free guided tours of the building which was originally constructed as a hotel, and an opportunity to visit the studio of renowned artist Mary Lloyd Jones.
And, in the Bandstand on the Prom, one of Wales’ first humanoid robots printed using 3D technology will make its first appearance at Beach Lab, the Technocamps robotics workshop.
Workshops offered during the day include, TV News Reader Experience at the department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies (Parry-Williams Building), writing your name using Chinese characters (Arts Centre), and Bibliotherapy – reading as therapy in difficult times (Parry-Williams Building).
Live music will be provided by Ny Ako Madagascan Music Group and the Aberystwyth Brass Ensemble, and there will be an opportunity to visit the studios of the Arts Centre’s Artists in Residence, Anna Falcini and Gerald Soworka.
Aberystwyth University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor April McMahon, said; “We’re delighted to be holding Access All Areas again this year which proved a big success last year.
“It’s an opportunity to show the local community some of the exciting work that goes on at Aberystwyth, but more importantly, it’s a chance to get to know our community a little bit better.
“We want to encourage people to take advantage of what we have to offer here at Aber. We are working closely with local schools, colleges, adult learners, local suppliers and businesses to make the University even more accessible. And, it’s a great day out!”
Access All Areas runs from 10.30am until 3.00pm and is open to everyone. A full timetable of Access All Areas events is available at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/events/access-all-areas/.
