TICKETS SELLING FAST FOR GREATEST SHOW AND TELL ON EARTH!

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS HEADING TO NEWCASTLE’S CENTRE FOR LIFE FOR MAKER FAIRE UK

Living up to its reputation as ‘the greatest show and tell on Earth’, tickets for Maker Faire UK are selling fast with visitors set to descend on Newcastle from all over the world. Brought to the city by the Centre for Life, Maker Faire UK will take place on 27 & 28 April.  Over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend and be part of the event where, among other things, they will meet robots that dance, knit and breathe fire as well as hearing one of Barack Obama’s Champions of Change talk about the importance of a Maker culture. Linda Conlon, CEO at the Centre for Life, said: “Newcastle will see the largest concentration of Makers gather in Europe.  There’s not only lots of interest from the UK but visitors from around 10 European countries and as far afield as Tokyo, Jerusalem and even Australia will be travelling to Newcastle to be part of this global phenomenon.” She added: “It’s going to be a truly inspiring weekend with something for everyone amongst the 300 maker line-up.  We’ve got a knitting robot, a laser assault course; a space shuttle simulator, theatrical performances and countless workshops to learn how to solder, make LED badges and even paint using a pneumatic cannon!” Over 70% of online ticket sales are from out of the region, making Maker Faire an important part of the city’s cultural events calendar. Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Maker Faire UK is just the sort of cultural event that puts NewcastleGateshead on the map, attracting visitors from across the UK and overseas further boosting our reputation as a vibrant tourism destination and our credentials as a world-leading city for scientific and technological innovation. Tourists currently contribute some £1.23bn annually to the local economy so events like this are important in not only creating a buzz around the city, but are also a significant source of revenue.” Newcastle Central MP, Chi Onwurah, commented: “Centre for Life is to be applauded for bringing such a unique event to Newcastle which not only highlights our reputation as a forward-thinking, culturally engaged city but draws attention to the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and the potential it offers in terms of rewarding careers for our young people.  This is science engagement at its best.” Tickets for Maker Faire can be bought online at www.MakerfaireUK.com or on the day at Centre for Life.  Tickets from £8.25 adult, £24.10 family.