On Friday 14th February, At-Bristol Science Centre will be opening its doors for an alternative Valentine's Day event with real heart!

The latest in the ever-popular series of adult events from At-Bristol, the evening will give visitors the chance to come and play on hundreds of exhibits, all with no kids in sight and a drink in hand! And, in keeping with the mood of the day, At-Bristol will be taking a playful look at the dating and mating game.

Have you exhausted dating options with our species? Try out Neanderthal speed-dating, going on a date with a partner, friend or stranger role playing as a Neanderthal, a prehistoric human-like species. Follow your nose and sniff out a potential new suitor in our 'B.O.Tique', using sweaty t-shirts and your sense of smell to identify the type of person you're attracted to, and pull on some heartstrings as you dissect real hearts in the Live Lab. You can also get up to some animal antics as you create your own nature documentaries in Animate It, take a romantic trip to the stars in the Planetarium and get your heart going with our sports challenge 'In the Zone'.

John Polatch, At-Bristol's Informal Learning Officer says: "We want to offer a Valentine's night out with interesting things to do that's a bit bonkers. Bring your wife, boyfriend, best friend, first date, neighbour or life enemy. Have a glass of wine and see where the evening goes - who knows what will happen?"  

With over 300 interactive exhibits to discover (including magnetic attraction, a walk-in womb and a camera that can see hotties!) there is plenty to get your heart a-racing. So, whether you've got a date, are looking for love, or just fancy a night out with a twist, it's the perfect Valentine's night out with a difference. Grab a drink, get hands-on and experiment!

After Hours: Love runs from 6.30-10pm on Friday 14th February. Entry is £7/£6 (concessions), and group rates are available. Visit www.at-bristol.org.uk/afterhourslove.html or call our Bookings team on 0845 345 1235 (9-5 Monday - Friday) for more information and to book tickets. 

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact Jen Forster - PR Manager, on 0117 915 7152 or jen.forster@at-bristol.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. Press Trips: If you are interested in writing a review of At-Bristol and require press tickets, please e-mail press@at-bristol.org.uk, providing media details and proposed dates of visit
   1. At-Bristol is a leading science centre in the UK and a major player in the worldwide science centre movement with over 250,000 visitors a year, including 50,000 school visits.
   2. At-Bristol makes and develops new exhibitions for Science centres and schools worldwide to purchase and hire, and won the tender to design, develop and build the London2012-inspired touring exhibition, In the Zone, on behalf of the Wellcome Trust ahead of many major exhibit developers in the UK.
   3. At-Bristol aims to be a world-class science centre that makes a distinctive, valued and recognised contribution to science learning and public engagement with science across Europe.
   4. A registered charity, At-Bristol has hosted over four million visits since its opening in June 2000 and continually strives towards making science accessible to all.
   5. At-Bristol receives no central government funding and support from visitors, members, corporate partners and donors means it can continue to make science relevant and fun for future generations.
   6. At-Bristol has achieved a 21% reduction in energy over 3 years, which won us a West of England Carbon Challenge Carbon Champions award in 2011 and 2012, and we continue to work towards further goals across all areas of sustainability. At-Bristol is currently one of the most sustainable buildings in the country; we were awarded Silver in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, a Gold Green Tourism Award, and were highly commended in the Visit England Awards for Excellence.