Life Science Centre has been shortlisted for three regional tourism awards coinciding with the centre’s milestone 25th anniversary year.
The Destination North East England Tourism Awards celebrate the region’s best visitor economy businesses.
This year Life has been shortlisted in three categories: Large Visitor Attraction, Accessible and Inclusive Tourism, and Festival or Event of the Year.
The Large Visitor Attraction nomination celebrates Life’s commitment to a quarter century of inspiring everyone to explore and enjoy science, through family-friendly hands-on exhibits, exciting live shows and the region’s most advanced planetarium.
Over the past few years, Life has invested several millions to enhance the visitor experience, most recently opening Lightbox – a £1.5 million collection of immersive and interactive exhibits focusing on light, colour and sound – to mark its 25th birthday.
The Accessible and Inclusive Tourism nomination recognises Life’s international reputation for its innovative work in creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. This has won many accolades, including the international Mariano Gago Award for work with autistic communities and the Destination North East Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award in 2023.
The Festival or Event of the Year nomination is for Life’s hugely popular Santa Experience, which provides a unique Christmas experience for families as well as introducing very young children to science in an engaging way.
A highlight of the event is What Santa Sees, a 360° fulldome show in the planetarium, created by the Life team, which blends science and storytelling and has been bought by planetaria in several European countries and the United States.
“We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in three categories in such a significant year for us.
“For 25 years, our mission has been to spark curiosity and make science accessible for all, and these nominations reflect the hard work and passion of our entire team.”
“It is so important to celebrate this industry and the people in it. The people shortlisted should be proud of the part they are playing for the region – they are our biggest champions.”
Kim McGuinness, North East MayorAll finalists will now be subject to a rigorous second round of judging by independent experts before the winners are announced next year. The Festival or Event category is decided by a public vote.
Tickets for Life’s Santa Experience are on sale now and selling fast. For more information visit this webpage.