“The festival has really grown. He went from his childhood phase to adulthood very quickly,” says David Bertrand, one of the co-founders of the Levisium and newly president of SE2, an NPO dedicated to designing educational scientific events.
Among the headliners this year are popularizer Yannick Bergeron, astronaut Joshua Kutryk, content creator Biolovik (Vickie Pednault) and astrophysicist Robert Lamontagne.
With a first version having attracted more than “10,000” visitors despite “horrible” weather, the Levisium returns with a “more varied” program and a “stronger” team, rejoices David Bertrand. Due to the traffic, the site was reviewed “completely”, even more centered around the Paquet quay.
“All the kiosks have the most beautiful view of the river, it’s truly mind-blowing.”
— David Bertrand
The show area, very popular last year, has been redesigned and can now accommodate up to 1,500 curious people. Two outdoor terraces with a view of the river and the Château Frontenac will also be accessible to festival-goers in the science bar.
Last year, the festival attracted more than 10,000 visitors. (Patrice Laroche/Archives Le Soleil)
“Almost all” of the exhibitors present last year will be back, in addition to the new kiosks which will be added to the celebration, assures the former teacher.
All the financial partners have also returned and the Lévis festival now counts on the participation of Hydro-Québec.
For everyone
According to David Bertrand, the programming of this second edition of Lévisium has something to please everyone. From the discovery of minerals to reflection on artificial intelligence, there is something for “every taste”.
During the day, children and adolescents are expected under marquees to explore interactive scientific workshops offered by recognized educational organizations, such as Les Neurones atomiques or La Bibitte Mobile. Outdoor shows will also be held in the afternoon.
From 8 p.m., about a hundred meters from Quai Paquet, the festivities will move to La Vigie du Bunker, transformed for the occasion into a “Science Bar”. This “more for adults” zone, where “molecular cocktails” will be served, will present an astroquiz, scientific improvisations and fun conferences.
The numerous Lévisium kiosks are located on Quai Paquet, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. (Patrice Laroche/Archives Le Soleil)
Tickets to access these areas are $10 per day per person and $18 for the entire festival.
Like last year, some of the activities are also accessible free of charge in the “Scientific Village”, where passers-by will be able to participate in interactive experiences or attend wandering scientific activities.
