Be part of Chelmsford Science Festival 2026

The annual Chelmsford Science Festival is full of exciting interactive activities – and we'd like you to get involved.

People watching a planetarium-style show on large screens at a science event

Inspire. Innovate. Showcase your ideas.

We're now welcoming proposals for talks, workshops, performances, exhibitions, installations and community-led activities for 2026.

Whether you’re an academic, a student, a community organisation, a creative practitioner or a business, we’d love to hear your ideas.

What we’re looking for

We’re particularly interested in submissions that:

  • connect with our theme Future Worlds: Earth, Space, You
  • invite audiences to take part, discover or debate
  • support inclusivity and accessible participation
  • celebrate local expertise, innovation or research
  • inspire young people and families
  • create moments of wonder, creativity or challenge.

Submit a proposal

Complete our online form

About the 2026 theme: Future Worlds: Earth, Space, You

This year’s theme explores possibility, discovery and connection — between people, the planet and the universe. It positions Chelmsford as a gateway to discovery, linking global challenges with local voices, cutting edge research with hands-on experiences, and imagination with real-world solutions.

It bridges three powerful ideas:

Ideas for activities

We look forward to hearing your ideas and welcoming you as part of Chelmsford Science Festival 2026. Possible events and activities could include the following.

  • Flood and resilience, local projects
  • Nature tech/urban biodiversity walks
  • Sustainable homes and future food workshops
  • Green health/wellbeing in nature events

  • Stargazing nights and telescope sessions
  • Satellite engineering and Earth observation activities
  • 'Moon to Mars' human exploration events
  • Planetarium pop-ups

  • AI and creativity labs
  • Brain and body workshops
  • Future of health and robotics events
  • Identity in the digital age workshops
  • Future jobs and skills expos

The Family Festival takes place over two days (24 and 25 October 2026, 9.30am-4pm) on our campus in Chelmsford.

We’re seeking hands-on activities, demonstrations, maker-style workshops, drop-in sessions and activities suitable for families, including quieter SEN-friendly sessions.

As part of our Schools and Colleges Engagement Plan, we'll host three dedicated days across our Chelmsford and Writtle campuses. For these sessions, we’re seeking activities that:

  • run for 45 minutes
  • pomote engagement with STEM
  • highlight careers in STEM and relevant pathways
  • are suitable for Key Stage 3 and 4, or post-16 groups.

Submit a proposal

Complete our online form

All proposals will be reviewed by the Festival Programming Group. If you’d like to discuss an idea before submitting, please contact [email protected]