This January, Harwell Campus will be transformed into a playground of light, sound, and fire as BODY, the acclaimed immersive experience, exploring the wonders of human biology, returns to the UK for the first time in four years. Hosted by the UK’s science super campus as part of the Light Project series to celebrate the campus’ 80th anniversary and running for only three nights, this is a rare chance to experience BODY in all its spectacular, interactive glory.
Created by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank and inventor Richard Babington, BODY invites audiences of all ages to step inside a luminous, night-time world where the human body comes alive in six mesmerising zones. From glowing anatomical structures to interactive soundscapes and fiery effects, BODY is a celebration of the fragility, complexity, and magic of our own bodies.
BODY is designed not only to entertain but to inspire curiosity in STEAM subjects. Young minds and budding scientists can explore the science of the human form through hands-on, playful engagement, making it an ideal outing for families, schools, and science enthusiasts.
“BODY is a journey through the human body like no other,” says Gareth Hughes, Producer at Walk the Plank. “We want to ignite curiosity, wonder, and conversation about the incredible science happening within each of us and share that excitement with the local community here in Harwell.”
Rebecca Duvall, Head of Community at Harwell said: “The BODY installation is a celebration of curiosity and creativity. BODY reflects the pioneering work happening every day across our campus and is a way of opening our doors to the community, sparking inspiration among young people and celebrating the role of science in all our lives.”
Since its premiere at the British Science Festival in 2021, BODY has delighted audiences across the globe, including the NI Science Festival (2022), Science Week in Dublin (2022), and Beakerhead in Calgary, Canada (2023). Its playful yet educational approach has made it a must-see for festival-goers, science enthusiasts, and art lovers alike.
BODY will be installed outdoors on the grounds of Harwell Campus with tickets for BODY available soon via the Harwell Campus website.
BODY marks the start of the second year of celebrations for Harwell’s 80th anniversary. The Campus has already hosted the Museum of the Moon, outdoor cinema screenings, talks and collaborative projects designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Just as BODY explores the beauty, fragility, and resilience of the human form, Harwell itself is home to one of the UK’s most dynamic health tech clusters, where researchers, businesses, and innovators are working together to improve human health on a global scale.
For over three-quarters of a century, Harwell has advanced human understanding. Today, it sits at the centre of a national life sciences network within the UK’s ‘golden triangle’, with £3bn already invested on site and growing opportunities to collaborate locally, nationally, and internationally. Harwell is set to become the UK’s national life science hub and a leader in healthcare innovation worldwide.
Image Credit: Johanna Hung
