Appetite and ArtsKeele are bringing together a science and art for an event open to all that explores nature on our planet and beyond titled What on Earth?!. Taking place on Keele University Campus across Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April. 

Marking Earth Day, which happens every year on 22 April, What On Earth?! delves into the conversations surrounding sustainability, the environment, our planet and the solar system with engaging events set to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of our environment. 

Across the weekend of events, attendees will have a chance to take part in a number of talks and walks including a foraging walk and a tour of Keele’s Low Carbon Energy Generation Park; get hands on by making a smooth dorodango ball; see things differently with Sheila Ghelani and On Reflection and watch Echoes within the Earth by Stopgap Dance where nature is explored through dance. From gazing at the stars to listening to the sounds trees make, whether you like to talk to the experts, have a go yourself or simply watch and take it all in, What On Earth?! is a packed weekend inviting people to try something new and celebrate our planet.

Gemma Thomas, Appetite Director, said: “Everyone’s invited to come along to What on Earth?! event on campus and beyond. We’ve worked with a range of people that either are part of Keele University team or based on the university and in partnership with Arts Keele. We wanted to create a celebration of what makes the planet extraordinary: everything from soil, nature, humans and non-humans, and our place in the solar system. We worked hard to make sure there is something for everyone.

It wouldn’t be Appetite if we hadn’t invited artists to share their work around the themes: so from creating your climate protest sign in a collective artwork, dance within the beautiful Keele grounds to hearing the music of trees and much more. We’d love to see you there – visit our website for all the details and how to get to Keele if you’ve not been before.”

Kerry Jones, Development Manager for Arts and Public Engagement at Keele University, said: “Keele University campus is such a beautiful place, this event is a great opportunity to come along and explore what we have on offer up here. The idea stemmed from our strong relationship with Appetite and a conversation we had with one of our business park residents Mondrem. We can't wait to welcome people on site and to get people thinking about the planet, connecting to nature, and most of all having fun!”

What on Earth?! on Keele Campus takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April between 11am-4pm. All activities are free, though donations are encouraged to help continue providing similar opportunities in our area.

Appetite’s celebrations for Earth Day will also take place at Newcastle Common in Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre, with a residency by Lisa Franklin open to the public to experience on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 April. People are invited to join Lisa as she looks at the local flora and fauna and reflects on the interplay of nature and health. Further activities will take place across Saturday 20 April and Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 April as Shiv Mcaleer and Plastic Shed us the space to make plant pots out of usually discarded plastic items. All event at Newcastle Common run 11am-3pm and can be found in Newcastle Town Centre within the Lancaster Buildings, opposite the entrance to Boots.

BSL interpretation and audio description are provided for some aspects of the event and stewards will be on hand all weekend to help all visitors have the best possible experience across all activities.

For more information about the event including a full schedule of the weekend, access and parking, plus an easy read version of the information please visit https://appetite.org.uk/event/what-on-earth-at-keele-campus/

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