The Big Bang Collective | The Big Bang Collective

Dive into the exciting world of physics at the World of Physics Festival Programme, where science meets the arts in a vibrant celebration of discovery.

This unique collaboration between leading science institutions and popular music festivals across Europe brings physics to life through hands-on workshops, engaging talks, and dynamic shows. Geared towards fostering a love for science in an entertaining and accessible way, the programme offers attendees of all ages a chance to explore fascinating topics with real physicists and students.

Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious, the World of Physics is your gateway to uncovering the wonders of the universe in an atmosphere filled with music and joy.

The Festival Programme began in 2015. At the end of a long day visiting CERN, Real World CEO Mike Large was having a beer on the CERN terrace with Connie Potter and Chris Thomas from CERN and Roger Jones from Lancaster University.

Mike, overseeing the WOMAD music festivals, felt that the WOMAD UK audience would love to hear about some of the science going on at CERN.

The locals were not convinced – “why would people in the middle of the countryside, faced with a programme of music, books, dance and well-being want to listen to talks on science?” – but Mike was confident – his WOMAD audience were curious, eager to always learn more.

The initial concept of the Physics Pavilion evolved into the first World of Physics through a collaboration between CERN, WOMAD, and Lancaster University.

That first World of Physics offered a 3 day programme of hands-on workshops, talks and shows to over 5000 people over the 3 days. The success was phenomenal and continues to this day.

The majority of attendees state on the feedback forms that they never go to science events during the year, that the fun, engaging way in which we share our science, including having real physicists welcoming them, on hand to discuss any topics they wish, changed their feelings about science.

It wasn’t the hard slog they had known at school, with uninspiring teachers. They weren’t made to feel stupid with their questions. They revelled in this new found interest and kept coming back each day, and still do.. each year.

As Connie and Chris gave talks on this new form of outreach to the public, it became clear from responses from the community that other countries were very keen to have their own Science Pavilion and so the Big Bang Collective was formed.

Partnerships were formed with collaborating institutes in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Denmark resulting in Science Pavilions at the Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, the Colours of Ostrava in the Czech Republic and the Roskilde Festival in Denmark.

In 2024 we are proud to announce that we will be launching a new Science Pavilion at the Smukfest in Denmark and Rototon Sunsplash in Spain.

Our History

Gallery

Contact Us