Talks and shows

The chemistry of Christmas baking

Join us to get scientifically satisfied with some Christmas baking.

biscuits
Cyrus Crossan via Unsplash

Christmas is the time for festive bakes and foodie treats. Whether you’re crackers for Christmas pudding, or ecstatic for eggnog, you must wonder: how do we get such delicious food from mixing simple, and sometimes plain, ingredients?

Join chemist and baker Josh Smalley as he explores the science behind our Christmassy baked goods, and why they make our food taste, look and smell delicious.

With plenty of baking throughout the show, flavoured with a few chemistry demos, you’ll discover the hidden world of chemistry in some of your delicious and sweet Christmas treats.

Event type

This is a theatre event for children and adults to enjoy together. All young people under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by a paying adult and those aged 4 and above need a ticket to attend.

This event will be livestreamed.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this workshop please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Josh Smalley

josh smalley

Dr Josh Smalley is a multi-talented professional with a doctorate in chemistry who also happens to be an outstanding baker, gardener, and chemical biologist. His baking prowess entered the public conscious after competing in the 14th series of The Great British Bake Off. His outstanding baking skills and painstaking attention to detail won him a place in the finale.

In February 2024, Josh was announced as first Chemistry Champion for the Salters’ Institute; an educational charity which promotes the teaching and learning of chemistry. Throughout 2024, Josh will participate in programmes with the Salters’ Institute, assist with fundraising, and share how chemistry and the related sciences influence our daily lives, especially with their many parallels with baking!

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 5.30pm, with a prompt start at 6.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Tickets for Good

the tickets for good logo

We’ve partnered with Tickets for Good to provide tickets for the NHS, charity sector workers, and cost of living payment recipients to come and enjoy our upcoming shows.

Tickets for Good offers free and discounted tickets for live events in the UK, and we’re very excited to have teamed up with them!



Grab your tickets by becoming a member here: https://go.ticketsforgood.org/3LPtYV5

Event terms and conditions

Closed 3rd and 4th April

The Ri is closed to the public on Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th April