Come along to help a group of mathematicians to realise a vision! They want to show in a highly visual way one of the fundamental structures in the world of numbers – the nature of prime numbers. They are going to use cardboard boxes to build up blocks and towers of numbers, like buildings in a city – and they need you to help them!

Greetings Earthlings big and small, especially in the isles,
My spaceship’s heading Earthwards in September, full of smiles,
I've stocked it up with lots of songs, and lots of lunar glee
And so on Saturday the 7th I hope you’ll come and see
And listen for my spaceship’s sound, the well-known whee-whee-zoom -
And gather round about to sing and dance with Mr Boom!

“Outside there will be a mixture of fun family-friendly activities, including storytelling from Viking mythology and sagas, Viking crafts, fun and games, and falconry as well. All welcome!”

It’s 28 years since we first brought Arcs & Sparks to Orkney and we’re delighted to be back! If you were there and remember our first shows, do come and say hello – and if you were there as a child, maybe you’ll even be bringing your own family this time! Volunteers most definitely welcome, as we create hair-raising experiences with our giant van de Graaff generator and dim the lights for dramatic displays of indoor lightning.

Dr Jamie Gallagher takes you on a guided tour of the building blocks that make up the planets, the universe – and us. "The periodic table has been an emblem of science for over 100 years. Behind this iconic classroom poster live tales of romance, murder, greed and wonder."

Marine biophysicist Dr Russell Arnott describes how a whole plethora of marine animals use the laws of physics to survive and thrive in all parts of the ocean. Marine biology meets physics in a range of examples, from the acoustic properties of whales to the tiny shrimp that packs a supersonic punch.