• Fri 25 & Sat 26 Nov 2022 •
• Cambridge Guildhall •

WE’re back in person for RAREFEST22!!
For the experts and the curious of all ages. For everyone. For free!
RAREfest22 is a public-facing, 2-day rare disease inspired festival with interactive exhibits, talks, film and art showcasing ground-breaking science, visionary technology and pioneering organisations, improving lives and bringing hope to those affected by rare conditions.
Book you ticket today to join the highlight of the winter festival scene!!
What can you see and do at RAREFEST22?
FRIDAy 25 NOVEMBER, 7 – 9pm
RAREFest22 Launch event ‘STRICTLY RARE’..
rare quiz and myth busters with Rare Youth Revolution • CamRARE’s Unique Feet ‘Strictly Rare’ dance performance • Dylan Lombard, rare Glaswegian using his photography to connect •laughter is the best medicine with Phil ‘Jerky’ – a comedian with early onset Parkinson’s • an exploration of the possible with John Willis – difference is a blessing not a curse • Pompe & Circumstance with the Pompe community choir
Saturday 26 NOVEMBER, 10am – 4pm
RAREfest22 exhibition and talks
go mutant DNA fishing • try your hand at a genetic diagnosis • be a brain surgeon for the day• try scratch n’ sniff multi-sensory menus • peer into bodies to uncover invisible illnesses • learn how to grow cell lines for research • be the first to see the UK launch of ‘Days of Rare’ photography exhibition • what you think matters…send a postcard! • help create a live art installation • explore inside cells with virtual reality headsets
We’ve been talking to exhibitors and speakers…find out what makes them tick and what they have in store for RAREfest22
Meet Rishi from Singing Science who'll be edutaining us with 'Genomics the Musical! The RAREfest Mix
Genomics! The Musical! is a one-person show where the fundamentals of genes and our DNA are explained using a series of ‘musical mini-lectures’. Ideas are introduced with words and then developed with catchy songs performed with a video backdrop providing further insights into the science of what makes us us. All done with a light touch of humour to provide an ideal family edutainment show!
At Rarefest22, Singing Science will be showcasing Genomics! The Musical! Combining the basics of Genetics and the impacts on the rare disease community, the show provides an engaging way to familiarise yourself with key concepts – fit for all ages.
It will offer an exciting starting point for later talks and activities. Be prepared to sing along to the jolliest, most entertaining lesson you’ve ever had!
Meet Rishi in our latest blog https://www.camraredisease.org/rishi-karmadillo-combining-passions-to-showcase-science/
How did an over reliance on Space Raiders led to RAREfest exhibitor Aisha creating Sensmart tech solution?
“During a regression, my daughter would eat only pickled onion space raiders. I would come home every day to my blue-tongued little girl. I couldn’t bear to see my daughter struggle like I had seen my patients.”
Aisha came up with the idea of Sensmart and co-founded it with Alex Chikhani. Sensmart provides a multi-sensory experience, combining scent prompts which reflect an entire meal, texture touch, tactile images, braille, and personalised voice prompts.
The product aims to help patients engage in a meaningful activity whilst promoting choice and independence. The product’s tremendous attention to detail allows family members to customise auditory stimulation to reflect their voices. It also provides real-life textures like that of orange peel to enable patients to connect with their choices.
Read our blog interview with Aisha to learn more https://www.camraredisease.org/sensmart-providing-multi-sensory-solutions/
What did our previous RAREfest visitors think?



%
thought the organisation was very good or excellent
%
thought RAREfest20 was very good or excellent
%
made good connections which could prove fruitful in the future
%
said they are more interested in rare disease after RAREfest20
%
had never attended a rare disease event before attending RAREfest20

WOULD YOU LIKE TO
Volunteer for #RAREfest22?
Be a part of our thriving community
There are lots of tasks to do in the run up to and during #RAREfest22. Whatever your skills and availability, we’ll be able to find something to suit you. Come and join our tribe!