The British Science Festival 2026, celebrating its 195th anniversary, brings a wide range of science events, talks, workshops, and performances across the University of Southampton and the city.
The British Science Festival is coming to Southampton from 16 to 20 September 2026, with the University of Southampton's Highfield Campus as its main base and other events spread across the city. It's Europe's longest-running science festival, dating back to 1831, and it moves to a different UK city every year. This edition marks its 195th anniversary, and it's the first time it's been back in Southampton since 1992.
The whole thing is built around getting science out of the labs and into the public, bringing together researchers, students and the local community for open discussions on things that affect culture and society. The programme covers a lot of ground: talks, hands-on workshops, exhibitions and performances, with a real lean towards the participatory and interactive side of things. One of the highlights is The Ocean Remembers, a sound-art composition by Jason Singh with Yazz Ahmed.
Hosting it is the University of Southampton, and the festival draws on its research strengths in areas like optical fibre technology, AI safety and cancer immunology. There's also a spot for the next generation: the Award Lectureships give early-career researchers a platform to share their work with people who aren't specialists in their field.
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It runs from 16 to 20 September, with the University of Southampton and various venues across the city. Entry is free.
Date
16 September – 20 September
Price
Free
Recommended Age
+14 years
