The UCD Festival returns to Belfield on Saturday 7 June for a vibrant afternoon of discovery, innovation and entertainment. From midday until 6pm, the campus will be transformed into a series of exciting festival zones, showcasing the very best of UCD’s research and creativity across science, technology, culture and the arts. Families can look forward to a packed schedule of hands-on experiences, live performances and open-air fun. Budding scientists can try out engineering experiments, control muscle-powered games or get up close to self-driving tractors and crop robots. Little ones can care for furry friends at the Teddy Bear Care Centre or take a ride on the festival train to Greenacre, the university’s sustainability hub. The campus will be buzzing with live music, dance, workshops and creative spaces including the MakerSpace VR experience, bridge-building challenges and the UCD Classical Museum. With GAA skill zones, inflatable fun and interactive exhibits at every turn, there’s something to engage curious minds of all ages. Importantly, the festival is also designed to be inclusive. A dedicated sensory-friendly zone offers calm, welcoming spaces for neurodiverse visitors. Highlights include sensory play and movement sessions, storytelling, a special Minecraft screening and priority access at busy areas for families who need it. Friendly volunteers wearing the neurodiversity symbol will be on hand to support. Whether you’re discovering the...