Chelmsford Science Festival Starts Today with Nine Days of Events, Experiments and Family Fun

Chelmsford Science Festival returns today, Tuesday 20 October, bringing nine days of talks, interactive experiments, family activities and live performances to the city.

Now in its fifth year, the festival runs until Wednesday 28 October 2026, with more than 30 events exploring everything from space exploration and artificial intelligence to the human body, climate change and the natural world.

Organised by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in partnership with Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You, the festival is sponsored by technology company Teledyne.

This year's theme, Future Worlds: Earth, Space, You, invites visitors of all ages to discover how science and technology could shape our lives in the years ahead.

Many events are free, although advance booking is required for some activities.

Science Festival begins with space and health events

The opening day features a programme of talks and discussions at Anglia Ruskin University's Chelmsford campus.

Among the events taking place on Tuesday 20 October are:

Building Future Worlds: Sustainable Construction for a Planet of 10 Billion — 9.30am–12pm, free.
Rethinking Your Relationship with Food — 1.30pm–2.30pm, free.
Use It or Lose It: How Strong Are Your Bones? — 3pm–4pm, free.
Moonshot Fitness: Could Jumping on the Moon Save Your Health? — 5.30pm–6.30pm, free.
Space Journal: The Art and Science of Cosmic Exploration — 6.30pm–8.30pm, with science presenter Dallas Campbell. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for students, with free admission for under-16s.

Moonshot Fitness, presented by ARU's Professor Dan Gordon, will explore what the challenges of living in low gravity can teach scientists about muscle strength, bone health and the importance of physical activity.

Dallas Campbell's evening event will take audiences on a journey through humanity's fascination with space and exploration.

Free Family Science Weekend on 24 and 25 October

One of the biggest attractions will be the Family Science Weekend on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, hosted at Anglia Ruskin University's Chelmsford campus.

Families can enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations, interactive experiments, creative workshops and live science shows.

The programme includes subjects ranging from bubble science to artificial intelligence and robotics, offering opportunities for children to learn through practical activities.

Entry to the family days is free, although visitors must book places in advance for individual live shows.

Special quieter sessions are also available for families with special educational needs, allowing visitors to enjoy activities in a more relaxed environment.

The family weekend is expected to be a particularly popular option for parents looking for activities as the October half-term approaches.

Famous faces and exciting science shows

The festival's programme includes appearances by well-known presenters and specialists alongside researchers from Anglia Ruskin University.

Highlights include:

Chris Packham — Sustainable Futures, 24 October

The naturalist and television presenter will explore environmental challenges and the future of the planet.

The Science of Harry Potter — 26 October

A family-friendly exploration of the science behind ideas and inventions associated with the world of Harry Potter.

David Olusoga — Future Britain, 27 October

The historian and broadcaster will examine Britain's future in a special event at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Brainiac Live — 28 October

The popular science entertainment show arrives at Chelmsford Theatre with live experiments, demonstrations and explosive science fun.

Ticket prices and booking arrangements vary between events.

Discover Essex's Ice Age past

The festival also includes activities exploring the history and natural environment of Essex.

On Monday 26 October, retired geologists Ian and Ros Mercer will present Ice Age Essex, taking audiences on a journey through the county's prehistoric landscape.

Other events examine subjects such as the science of menopause, the common cold, artificial intelligence, creative technology and the future of health.

A special Playable Worlds programme will explore gaming, digital creativity and careers in technology, including activities aimed at young people interested in the industry.

Science meets Halloween in Chelmsford

The festival will also connect with half-term activities in Chelmsford city centre.

Working with Chelmsford For You and The Witches of Chelmsford programme, organisers are offering activities exploring the relationship between science, historical beliefs and witchcraft.

The collaboration provides another opportunity for families to combine science-themed experiences with the city's Halloween events.

Where is Chelmsford Science Festival taking place?

Many events will be held at Anglia Ruskin University's Chelmsford campus, on Bishop Hall Lane, CM1 1SQ.

Selected performances and talks will take place at other venues, including Chelmsford Theatre and Chelmsford Cathedral.

Visitors should check the venue for each event before travelling.

How much does Chelmsford Science Festival cost?

Many talks, workshops and family activities are free to attend.

Some performances and special guest events require paid tickets, with prices varying by event.

Advance booking is recommended, particularly for the Family Science Weekend's live shows and popular guest speakers.

The full programme, including dates, prices and booking information, is available on the official Anglia Ruskin University website.

Book and explore the programme: https://www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsford-science-festival

Chelmsford Science Festival 2026 — Key details

Dates: Tuesday 20 – Wednesday 28 October 2026

Main venue: Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ

Theme: Future Worlds: Earth, Space, You

Family Science Weekend: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October

Admission: Many events free; selected talks and performances are ticketed

Organisers: Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You

Sponsor: Teledyne

Official programme: https://www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsford-science-festival

Visitors should check the official programme for individual event times, venues and ticket availability before travelling.

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