Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Newcastle University Lectures for Children - January 2026
21st-28th January 2026
Time: 5-6pm
Address: Herschel Building, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU
Venue: Herschel Building, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU
Website: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/university-events/public-lectures/childrens-lectures/
The 2026 Holmes Lectures
The 2026 Holmes Lectures will be given by researchers from Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences and School of Dental Sciences and will take place in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building.
Our immune system: the army inside our body (Lecture 1)
Date: 21 January 2026 | Time: 5.00 - 6.00pm
Location: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University
4.00-5.00pm: Experiments and after school snacks (optional)
5.00-6.00pm: Lecture
With Professor John Isaacs, Professor of Clinical Rheumatology, Faculty of Medical Sciences
Our immune system is just like a well-organised army, designed to recognise and attack invaders that enter our body, such as bugs. Sometimes, however, our immune system makes mistakes and thinks our own body is the enemy. The subsequent attack can be devastating, causing ‘autoimmune’ diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Learn how our normal immune system works, why it goes wrong in autoimmunity and how scientists can develop ways to correct it.
Guardians of health: how oral hygiene supports our immune system (Lecture 2)
Date: 28 January 2026 | Time: 5.00 - 6.00pm
Location: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University
4.00-5.00pm: Experiments and after school snacks (optional)
5.00-6.00pm: Lecture
With Dr Christopher Nile, Senior Lecturer, School of Dental Sciences
There are over 700 species of microorganisms (bugs) in the mouth, and the immune response can distinguish between those that are infectious and harmless. This lecture explores how the immune response can specifically detect harmful oral microorganisms and respond rapidly to protect us from disease. Discover how an overactive immune response to oral microorganisms causes gum disease and tooth decay, and how it can also impact our general health.
FREE events but pre-booking online essential at
www.ncl.ac.uk/university-events/public-lectures/childrens-lectures/