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A Repairing Revolution

A hand rewires a circuit board

Event schedule details

Saturday 15 June

15.00-15.55

Event location details

G16 lecture theatre

Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London

Discover the art of restoring our possessions, why it’s important to resist replacing broken items and how we can all be part of a repairing revolution!

The popularity of the BBC’s Repair Shop shows an appreciation for the forgotten skills of repairing and restoring our much-loved possessions. But in reality most people don’t get their items repaired and very few have the skills to do it themselves... and yet a repairing revolution is in everyone's interest!

As well as the cost savings and sense of accomplishment that comes from extending the life of treasured possessions, repairing broken household items and devices rather than throwing them away has all kinds of environmental benefits. There is less waste, obviously, but you also save on the energy, materials and emissions involved in making a replacement, as well as the emissions and congestion involved in transporting it to the consumer.

Repairers and champions of repairing cultures come together at the Great Exhibition Road Festival to look at the barriers stopping people from trying their hand at fixing their stuff, and what can be done to build a grassroots repairing revolution.

Visitor information

Talks and discussions are intended for an adult audience and are most suitable for ages 14+.

This event is part of the Art of Science talk series, shown at location number 22 on the Festival Map.

The talk has some advance tickets released to visitors but there will also be drop-in spaces on the day.

If you have an advance ticket, please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

This event has step-free access.

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Event categories

  • Adults
  • Talks and tours
A hand rewires a circuit board