The Ri has set a target of 20 or more venues – exceeding the previous highest total of 18, set four years ago before the Covid-19 pandemic – with the first 16 locations confirmed today.
And with tickets to watch the Lectures live in the Ri’s London theatre over-subscribed by more than a factor of 20, the move will significantly increase the number of people able to experience first-hand the magic of the world’s longest-running science lecture series.
From Aberdeen Science Centre and TechFest in Scotland, to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland, to Maketank, Exeter in southern England, the first 16 partner venues named today stretch the length and breadth of the UK.
Also confirmed are the National Museums Liverpool, Keele University, Cambridge Museum of Technology, Queen Mary University of London, STEM Learning (York), Plymouth University, Lancaster University, the University of Glasgow, the University of Warwick, London Metropolitan University, Oxford Brookes University and Science Oxford Centre.
The Ri is continuing discussions with further venues that have already expressed their interest, with others – including science centres, universities, museums, theatres and other cultural venues – invited to apply.
Director of the Royal Institution, Katherine Mathieson, said: “We’re extremely grateful to each of our 16 partner venues. They will all bring their own unique flavour to the live filming of the world-famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES, enabling local audiences to see what goes on behind the scenes when inspiring scientists are brought together with the public.
“We’re delighted to be working with some of the UK’s best science research and engagement organisations to bring the Lectures within reach for even more people this year. We very much look forward to welcoming more partners in the run-up to filming.”
The Ri has been supported in sharing the Lectures nationally by The Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) which brings together the UK’s regional STEM learning organisations across the UK.
Shaaron Leverment, Chief Executive of the ASDC, said: “ASDC is delighted to be supporting the national live streaming of the Ri CHRISTMAS LECTURES this year.
“An absolute highlight in the science communication calendar, science and discovery centres and museums will be bringing the magic of the live filming closer to home this December, with exciting live streaming events across the UK.”
Filming of the 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES will be livestreamed from the Royal Institution’s iconic theatre on 12, 14 and 16 December. The Lectures will be broadcast on BBC national television and iPlayer between Christmas and New Year.
The 2023 Christmas Lecturer and the Lectures topic will be announced by the Ri in late August.