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Richard Dawkins Joins bluedot As Dot Talks Lineup Expands

• 9th Apr 2018

A truly unmissable festival experience set against a backdrop like no other, bluedot continues to expand its out of this world lineup for 2018. Although the festival boasts a musical lineup including headliners The Chemical Brothers, The Flaming Lips, Future Islands and The Blue Planet In Concert with The Hallé, Jodrell Bank Observatory will also play host to an incredible lineup of some of the biggest names in science this summer.

With more names added today, this year’s Dot Talks explore quantum mechanics, the search for extraterrestrials, black holes, cyborgs, solar flares, climate change, the invisible universe, Doctor Who and beyond.

Regarded as one of the greatest and most controversial thinkers of his time, evolutionist and outspoken atheist Richard Dawkins continues to challenge society’s views on religion. His fourteen books include the several-million copy bestsellers ‘The God Delusion’ and ‘The Selfish Gene’, which was voted as the most inspirational science book of all time last year. His latest book, ‘Science in the Soul’, will form the basis of his talk at the bluedot festival.

Also joining the lineup today is Erica Wagner, who will bring to life her book ‘Chief Engineer: How To Build the Brooklyn Bridge’ which was named one of Amazon’s Best Science Books of 2017. Daniel M Davis will discuss ‘The Beautiful Cure: Harnessing Your Body’s Natural Defenses’ (which has been shortlisted for several awards), exploring discoveries about the immune system, while James Thompson will talk around ‘Art in Place of War: Creative Responses to Conflict Around the World’.

Also added to the Science and Culture lineup today are Jim Wild, Richard Betts, Mike Garrett, Tim Allcock & Rachel Platonov, Jon Copley, Monica Grady, Richard Battye, Kevin Warwick, Philippa Browning, Rene Breton, Paul Vanezis, Peter Crocker, Steve Roberts, Julia Steinberger and Anna Scaife.

They join a host of names including author and broadcaster Dallas Campbell, Associate Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics Tim O’Brien, Tamsin Edwards (lecturer in Physical Geography at King’s College London), writer and broadcaster Alice Roberts and Alice Eldridge (cellist, researcher and educator who brings her ‘Learning to Listen to Biodiversity’ to bluedot this year). Also on the bill is Professor of Immunology at the University of Manchester Dr Sheena Cruickshank, physicist and engineer Libby Jackson, biologist and conservationist Professor Dave Goulson Suzie Imber – the winner of BBC2’s ‘Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?’ and astronomer Stephen Wilkins. bluedot is truly dedicated to bringing amazing science to the masses.

In the shadow of the Lovell Telescope, one of the world’s most iconic research instruments, bluedot will explore the latest scientific discoveries from outer space and our planet. There will be talks from world-class scientists and thinkers, discussion of key issues such as climate change and the exploration of space, combined with an opportunity to ask the Big Questions of leading researchers. All backed up by a full family-friendly programme of hands-on science experiments and interactive shows.

Full weekend camping tickets are now on sale and start from £169 outright cost or a £43.50 payment plan. Our boutique camping offers a vast and varied selection of luxury accommodation options for those who prefer an extra touch of comfort.

Getting to bluedot festival is easy. Just 30 minutes by car from Manchester City Centre, or 20 minutes by train from Manchester Piccadilly to Macclesfield Station. Or 10 minutes from Manchester Airport. Trains from London are direct to Macclesfield taking just 2 hours.