DISCOVER MINDFEST AT BOLSOVER CASTLE

Margaret Cavendish’s MindFest comes to Bolsover Castle on Saturday 1 August, inviting visitors to step inside the extraordinary imagination of one of the 17th century’s most pioneering thinkers. The event runs 10am–5pm and is designed for all ages, with hands‑on activities inspired by Cavendish’s bold ideas about science, creativity, and the natural world.

MindFest is part of the wider Margaret Cavendish’s Mind Lab project — a two‑year programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered in partnership with Junction Arts, Writing East Midlands, and the University of York. The project aims to reimagine Bolsover Castle as a space for scientific and philosophical exploration, challenging perceptions of women in science and philosophy and making these subjects playful, accessible, and community‑driven.

A major highlight of MindFest is the arrival of Luminarium Daedalite, a monumental walk‑in sculpture by Architects of Air and designer Alan Parkinson. This glowing maze of domes and winding paths has toured the world, astonishing audiences with its sensory, dreamlike environment. Entry is included with admission, but time‑slot booking is required.

MindFest offers a full programme of family‑friendly workshops and demonstrations, co‑created with local community members and young people. Activities draw directly from Cavendish’s philosophical questions and scientific curiosity — from creative experiments to STEAM‑based challenges designed to spark imagination.

The Mind Lab initiative is transforming how visitors experience Bolsover Castle. Through events, workshops, school engagement, and new research, the project encourages people to explore Cavendish’s ideas — from the limits of technology to whether animals or even vegetables think. It aims to make science and philosophy feel welcoming, playful, and relevant to everyone.

Bolsover District residents can attend MindFest for free using the code BOL8O6RKS at checkout. Proof of address is required on the day.