Magna to host FightFest 2024 this August bank holiday

Circuit breaker: Johnny 5 powers up to host epic robot battle for the ages

Visitors to Magna Science Adventure Centre this bank holiday weekend will have the chance to meet some of the most iconic robots of the 1980s and 1990s, during an unmissable weekend of high-octane robot combat action.

FightFest 2024, promises to deliver an unmissable weekend of robot combat, reminiscent of the hit TV show Robot Wars throughout the bank holiday weekend. And with life faithful, full-scale replicas of the legendary Robot Wars characters Sgt Bash, Dead Metal and Shunt on display throughout the weekend, as well an exhibition area, featuring interactive games, there promises to be lots to see and enjoy throughout the bank holiday weekend.

Despite Robot Wars not appearing on TV screens since 2018, robot combat remains an incredibly popular pastime, and with a prestigious FRA European Championship title up for grabs, visitors can expect to see some of the best fighting robot teams from across the UK and Europe do battle with each other throughout the bank holiday weekend.

There will be seven different shows taking place throughout the weekend. This  year’s event will see a record 39 robots enter the purpose-built arena, in a bid to be crowned European Featherweight Champion – one of the most highly prized titles in robot combat fighting.

Culminating in a winner takes all bout on Monday afternoon, the arena will featuring robots from different weight classes, as well as fiercely contested grudge matches between arch rivals with scores to settle.  Each show will feature twelve robot battles, guaranteeing plenty of chaos and carnage.

With each contest being presided over by an expert panel of judges made up of past Robot Wars competitors Alex Mordue. He will be joined by another Robot Wars veteran Kane Aston, Head of the Fighting Robots Association, as well as Patrick Faulkner, Lead Innovation Engineer, Accu.

On bank holiday Monday, which visitors to FightFest will have the chance to meet Johnny 5, the star of the hit film Short Circuit. The full-sized model of the iconic robot was carefully created by Ryan Howard, who used time during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to build a replica of one of his boyhood heroes.

The concept of FightFest was developed by Ed Hodges, who first developed an interest in fighting robots whilst studying at Loughborough University. Working closely with engineering company Labman, the first FightFest event took place in 2021, as a means of inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Since that the event has grown rapidly in popularity and under the watchful eye of organisers Ed Hodges and Ben Svacha and after successfully forming a partnership with Huddersfield-based components supplier Accu, who also recognised the potential offered by robot combat to inspire the next generation of engineers, the duo relocated FightFest to the Magna Science Centre to create the largest event of its kind ever to be seen in South Yorkshire.

Partnership with Matt Ogden, Communications and Partnerships Manager at Accu, said:

“Through the clashing of metal and the roar of machinery, robot fighting captivates minds, transforming spectators into aspiring engineers. It’s not just combat; it’s a dynamic classroom where physics, engineering and creativity come together in the form of thrilling battles that put technical expertise, innovative problem-solving and strategic thinking to the ultimate test.

The popularity of shows like Robot Wars and Battlebots helped to inspire a generation of engineers, and this year’s show will see roboteers and fans of all ages come together to witness epic battles featuring some of the very best bots in Europe.”

Ed Hodges, Co-Founder of FightFest, said:

“Featherweight robots are light, agile and often pack a punch. The rules of the competition mean that each robot must weigh a maximum of 13.6kg, which means that teams often have to compromise between armour and weaponry. This can result in some thrilling battles and spectacular clashes.

Since we first launched FightFest in 2021, the concept has gone from strength to strength. Our primary goal was always to encourage and inspire youngsters to get excited about careers in robotics and engineering, and by relocating our event to Magna, we gained a great deal of synergy between our aims.  The unique atmosphere promises to deliver an incredible, action-packed weekend of entertainment.”

Kevin Tomlinson, Chief Executive, Magna, said:

“At Magna, we have made it our mission to inspire curiosity by giving visitors the chance to enjoy hands-on exhibits. Robot combat takes this to a different level, by bringing STEM concepts to life, truly showing that science isn’t simply a subject that’s studied, it’s one that needs to be experienced.

We’re looking forward to welcoming FightFest to Magna, and with plenty of activities taking place throughout the weekend, there are lots of reasons to visit Magna this bank holiday .”

Each FightFest show lasts for approximately two and a half hours.

Tickets can be purchased in advance via the FightFest website: https://fightfest.co.uk/. Visitors to FightFest can also receive entry to the Magna Science Adventure Centre, which includes entry to all areas of the attraction, for just £7.50.