Session 4 - Doors 8pm; Show 8:15pm - 9:45pm

Our perennial Festival Favourite, the Great Debate is back with host Natasha Mitchell. Recorded for broadcast on ABC RN’s Big Ideas, watch live as two teams of heavy-hitters go head-to-head, arguing for or against the statement: “In this climate, having kids is just wrong!” With team leaders Adam Spencer and returning champion Professor Barbara Holland — plus debaters First Dog on the Moon, Mibu Fischer, Matilda Boseley, and Wendy Zukerman — you’re guaranteed to be entertained, persuaded, and enthralled by this battle of brains and bravado! Plus, ABC’s Tegan Taylor will chat with Wiradjuri astrophysicist and science communicator Dr Kirsten Banks, and we’ll hear about the evolution of pleasure during a sneak preview of science journalist Zoe Kean’s hot new book 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This ticket gets you free entry to the Late Night Festival Club, starting immediately after this session ends.

This session is Auslan interpreted.

About the Main Stage Sessions

We’re transforming City Hall into a vibrant, interactive den of cerebral delights. Imagine listening in on fascinating chats amongst brilliant scientists while putting your feet up in a friend’s lounge room, which is also a cabaret theatre with two well stocked bars in it. Each session offers a mix of presentations, interactive stuff, really short talks, live music by our incredible house band Stevie and the Bunsen Burners, and all sorts of surprises. You can sneak off for a drink any time, and even come and go during the session, but surely you won’t want to miss a minute of the action.

A Seat at the Table
Beaker Street Festival's pay-it-forward initiative, A Seat at the Table, helps make our science and art offerings accessible to those who can't afford to purchase a ticket. Ticket buyers have the option to donate towards the cost of a stranger's ticket. You won't know who you've helped, but your donation will go directly to allowing someone else to access this great event. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Need a seat at the table? Just fill out this quick form to request one or two tickets to any event. Your information will never be shared or made public. If we can offer you a seat, we'll notify you by email a week or two out from the event.

More about Beaker Street Festival
Beaker Street Festival is a week-long celebration of science and art in Lutruwita/Tasmania each August. Now in its eighth year, Beaker Street Festival promises a mix of wonder, flavour, and scientifically proven fun. The Festival invites adults from all walks of life to delve into today’s hottest topics with a packed program of science-infused entertainment and discussions, while experiencing the best of Tasmanian environments and culture. View the entire program at www.beakerstreet.com.au

BEAKER STREET FESTIVAL
AUGUST 6-13 2024