Events marking the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth have already begun in Shrewsbury, with a multimedia animation currently lighting up the town’s Market Hall, and will continue well into November.

Highlights include: 

• Darwin Days – Historical re-enactments of scenes from Darwin’s life across the town as part of Shrewsbury Heritage Celebrations. (June 6, July 4, August 8, September 12) 

• International Cartoonist Festival – 40 cartoonists explore the theme of ‘Science and Nature’ in their work (April 23 to 26),

• A world premiere performance from Britain’s leading contemporary dance institution, the Rambert Dance Company. They will perform a sensational and diverse programme by Artistic Director, Mark Baldwin.(October 13 to 16) 

• A one-off revival of Chris Addison’s critically acclaimed show ‘The Ape That Got Lucky’. (September 20) 

• Lectures and discussion groups help by speakers including Professor Martin Rudwick and Dame Gillian Beer from Cambridge, Johnny Ball and Professor Heinz Wolff who will be exploring various topics including evolution, religion, theology, the environment and the fundamental questions positioned by Darwin about the place of the human in nature and history. (Throughout the year) 

• The unveiling of the Quantum Leap sculpture. An iconic piece of public art that uses aggregates to create an organic form to allows for multiple interpretations, reflecting Darwin’s own interests. (Due in May) 

• Shropshire’s own arts organisation, the Severn Project will produce ‘R?volution; a multimedia extravaganza along the river featuring fire, circus, music and shadow work to tell the story of Charles Darwin’s discoveries. (Date to be arranged)

• Darwin Song Project – bringing together artists from across the UK and the USA in association with Shrewsbury Folk Festival. (March 19) 

• Plus many more exhibitions, performances, speakers and outdoor events for all the family. 

Additional events and information can be found at: www.discoverdarwin.co.uk