By Jemima Choi, Sci-tech Co-editor
Can't get enough of those geode cracking videos? Fancy a wholesome summer activity? This July, the University of Bristol's iconic Wills Memorial Building will host the Bristol Paleobiology Festival, an evening dedicated to the history of life on Earth.
Taking place on Friday the 3rd of July (7-9:30pm), the event boasts a stellar scientific lineup. Award-winning broadcaster and academic Professor Alice Roberts will chair the evening, teaming up with University of Bristol palaeontologist Professor Michael J. Benton, a leading figure on the discovery of how to determine the colour of dinosaurs, as the host of the evening.
"[...] how can we understand the wonders of ancient life on Earth without a time machine?"
Expect to hear your wildest questions about the ancient world answered, with the website naming but a few examples: "where does life come from, what colours were dinosaurs, how did mass extinctions shape modern life, how can we understand the wonders of ancient life on Earth without a time machine?" The event promises to blend short film screenings and expert discussions to tackle some of the biggest questions in science. That's dinner conversation sorted (to say the least!)
There's no need to have prior background in palaeobiology; whether you're an avid palaeo die-hard or a newcomer with a youtube shorts niche, the festival is designed to make the hottest new science accessible for everyone. And the best part? It's free! Get your tickets and find out more here.
Event details:
- Date: Friday the 3rd of July, 2026
- Time: 7:00-9:30pm
- Location: Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, England
- Tickets: Free and open to the public. Secure your spot now via Eventbrite here.
Featured Image: Fausto García-Menéndez / Unsplash
