Speaking at the opening ceremony of the popular annual project in the city’s St Nicholas Arcades, the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun Roger Mace, said: “The University has been a major component in the prosperity of this City since the 1960s. It remains vitally important that relationships between town and gown are nurtured so that each knows what to expect of the other, each understands the demands of the other and each can work with the other in the interests of both.

Coun Mace was one of many people who came to Lancaster to work at the University – and who brought family here – and who now know views the district as his home.

Performing the opening ceremony and welcoming the University to the city centre, Coun Mace said the five-week Campus in the City project, now in its fourth season, was designed to bring the University’s world-class research to life.

“Local people, academics and students are being brought together in an exciting programme of free and interactive activities exploring a wide range of topics including, this year, child development, green technology, social media psychology, practical legal advice and the human body,” he added.

Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University Professor Mark E. Smith said: “Campus in the City is a great example of the University’s engagement with the wider community. It is also great to see so many members of staff and students wanting to be involved with this project.”

Those who attended the opening event enjoyed a range of unusual activities such as taking a 3D tour of the body with academics from the Faculty of Health and Medicine, finding out more about bacteria and the immune system and, on a lighter note, learning magic and juggling with members of the Lancaster University Circus Society.

Many exciting events will be held in the Campus in the City shop, opposite Poundland, over the next five weeks including an introduction to Chinese language and culture, an arts project exploring the artistic capabilities of people suffering from dementia, an opportunity to try your hand at geometry and a chance to explore the history of Lancaster and district.

The Lancaster University Racing Car will also be making a welcome return to the shop on the March 17 with an opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat!

All events are free and open to all to drop in anytime between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Full details of the programme can be found at www.tinyurl.com/campusinthecity2018/ For more information please contact public-events@lancaster.ac.uk or call 01524 592994.