Booking via eventbrite for the launch

I’ve just set up and tested the booking system for the celebration dinner to launch The New Optimists on 14th September, the opening day of the 2010 British Science Festival — go to http://newoptimists.eventbrite.com and reserve your place!

This launch is a big celebration dinner, co-hosted with the British Science Association, at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. All the scientists are invited. The BBC’s Science Correspondent David Shukman will be there too (providing another volcano doesn’t blow up or a new life form invade the planet), along with editor Keith Richards and Jenny Uglow who wrote the Foreword, plus many times Wellcome Image Award winner Spike Walker. (I’ll post info as it comes in about who else will be there.)

As well as meeting the scientists, going round some exhibitions there and having the opportunity to hear David Shukman’s take on what he’s optimistic about, diners will also be entertained by the Ben Markland Quartet with singer Sara Colman. They will be creating a live composition on the subject matter in The New Optimists under the direction of the audience. This band have a reputation second-to-none in the jazz world — and have delighted and informed many a non-aficionado audience on how music is made.

Guests get a free copy of the book (but of course!) and can buy more at a discounted price; good timing for a Christmas present, methinks.

And finally, I need acknowledge Aston University and the University of Birmingham (College of Medical and Dental Sciences) who have generously sponsored the book production.