THE countdown to the fifth annual Dunbar SciFest is now officially under way.

Thousands of people have poured into the town over the last four years for the event.

And the organisers are planning more of the same for the main weekend of events on March 7 and 8 in the John Muir Campus of Dunbar Primary School and the Bleachingfield Centre.

Dee Davison, Dunbar SciFest creator and creative director, said: “With science, engineering, technology and maths critical to our economic resilience, locally and nationally, we welcome the continued financial support of Community Windpower, EDF Energy and Viridor, who again are demonstrating their investment in the future of Dunbar’s young people.

“The event, spread across 11 days, will attract 10-15,000 visitors and the Community Windpower drop-in sessions and workshops, Viridor stage shows and the EDF Energy Education Programme will help open young minds to bright futures in science and engineering – futures being delivered by employers such as Viridor.” Events this year include ‘bugs and bones from the Ashworth Natural History Collection’, ‘a slime lab’ and ‘fantastic flying machines’.

After a day full of fun at the family weekend, stay on for the new Nights of Light, inspired by the United Nations designating 2015 as International Year of Light 2015 and light-based technologies.

As the sun sets, head out to see ‘The Magic Lantern’ at Barns Ness Lighthouse, on the evenings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday March 6-8 (6.30-9pm).

The lighthouse and adjacent buildings will glow gently, beautifully illuminated and constantly changing, while performers in front of the Keepers’ Cottages will interact with the lighting, producing a magical interpretation of light, shadow and movement in a stunning coastal location.

East Lothian MSP Iain Gray, a former physics teacher, is also backing the event.

He said: “I have been a great admirer and supporter of Dunbar SciFest from the outset, so it’s a real pleasure to see it reach its fifth anniversary this year.

“It has been pioneering in its approach to bringing science alive for children and young people and encouraging them to find out more about all the scientific disciplines. I’m sure it will be a huge success again this year.” For full programme and ticketing details, log on to: www.dunbarscifest.org.uk