Innovation and Connection at the Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar

Saturday 21st February marked WeSET’s first time exhibiting at the Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar and it proved to be an energising and memorable day from start to finish. We set off early for Oxford with our trusty large wheelie suitcase packed to the brim with models, booklets and all the essentials for a full day of hands‑on renewable energy engagement. We arrived at the venue by 8am and were immediately struck by the scale of the event, even before the doors opened. The atmosphere hinted at something special.

Our WeSET stand was located in the bustling “Green” room, surrounded by an impressive range of exhibitors from charities, community groups, universities and research facilities across the country. During setup, we had the chance to speak with several of them, including a fascinating team from the University of Oxford who develop and test turbine blades for aerodynamic performance. It was a reminder of the breadth of innovation happening across the sector and how valuable these events are for building connections.

With a smaller stand than usual, we had to be selective about what to display, but this worked in our favour. We showcased a focused range of wind and solar demonstration models, including our new 3‑foot turbine, which charges a small electric vehicle as it rotates – a clear favourite with children, who returned again and again to watch it whir into action. Our newly designed banners and booklets, funded by The Low Carbon Hub, made a strong visual impact and combined with our position right at the entrance to the hall, meant that it seemed like we spoke to every single person who passed through.

The conversations were constant and wide‑ranging. We met teachers and home‑school groups from Oxford, Abingdon, Witney and Bicester, as well as visitors from further afield – Gloucester, Coventry, and Rugby among them. While our in‑person school visits are limited to roughly a 30‑mile radius, it was brilliant to share how our free online resources extend our reach far beyond the local area.

The event itself was exceptionally well organised, with a real buzz throughout the day. The anticipated footfall of around 8,000 certainly felt accurate!

Overall, it was a hugely positive first experience and we would be delighted to make the Science Bazaar a regular fixture in our annual outreach calendar.