UCLan invites public to explore the science behind cheese and beer
Cheese and beer fans are being invited to a sampling event with a twist as the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) explores the science behind some of our much loved staples.
The Food for Thought event on Wednesday 29 June will officially open UCLan’s annual Lancashire Science Festival, a three-day free science extravaganza that is expected to attract more than 11,000 people from the 30 June – 2 July. As part of the foodie event visitors will get the first taste of the Festival’s specially brewed official ale, Snaggletooth Brewery’s Beyond the Pale, and ExBERRYment Lancashire cheese with cranberries, which have both been produced locally.
"The Food for Thought evening will provide an alternative, informative and enjoyable night out and will be a great start to our exciting Festival weekend."
In addition, ExBERRYment cheese maker Leagrams Organic Dairy will give a 30 minute whistle stop cheese making demonstration and attendees can test their taste bud nerves in a game of chilli roulette involving some of the world’s hottest chillies from the Science Made Simple team. Dr James Sumner, lecturer in the history of technology at the University of Manchester, will explain the history of brewing; sharing what our ancestors added to their beers and providing a demonstration of these unusual flavours, including potentially poisonous mixtures. UCLan maths lecturer Dr Kevin Bowman will also whip up a strange dish of maths, Disney and spaghetti as he explains the magical maths behind Disney’s Ratatouille.
Lancashire Science Festival Director Dr Jo Heaton-Marriott said: “What better way to celebrate the start of the Festival than delving into the science behind some of our most loved food and drink. So many people tell us that science is not for them, but science is crucial to so many of the things we take for granted and food is a great example of this. We’re very proud to have collaborated with two local businesses; Leagrams Organic Dairy and Snaggletooth Brewery to create these tasty Festival souvenirs for visitors to enjoy. The Food for Thought evening will provide an alternative, informative and enjoyable night out and will be a great start to our exciting Festival weekend.”
"The Science Festival is a brilliant event and what better way to kick start it than with an evening of beer, cheese and science."
Paul Hawkins, Head Brewer at Snaggletooth Brewery which has produced the Festival pale ale, commented: “This is the second year we’ve created a new beer for the Lancashire Science Festival and I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to do it again. The Science Festival is a brilliant event and what better way to kick start it than with an evening of beer, cheese and science.”
Lancashire Science Festival’s Food for Thought Launch event will take place on Wednesday 29 June at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Tickets are £10 each, which includes cheese and beer tastings and a wine reception with nibbles, and are available via Eventbrite
For more information about the event and the Lancashire Science Festival in general visit the website, call 01772 894288 or email engageuclan@uclan.ac.uk