Colliderfest returns to Hull city centre with bigger, bolder celebration of science and creativity

Organised by the University of Hull and Hull City Council, in partnership with Hull Museums and The Deep, ColliderFest is a four-day STEAM festival exploring the vibrant intersections of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths.

The festival will once again transform Hull’s city centre into a playground of ideas, innovation, and imagination, with an exciting programme of events also taking place on the University of Hull campus.

The first two days, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March, will focus on school-based activities, while the weekend of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March will open to families and budding scientists, offering a packed programme of talks, performances, installations, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

This year the themes of Innovation and Community, will be explored at the University of Hull and in venues across the city including Museums Quarter, Princes Quay and The Deep. While most of the events will be free to attend with no booking required, there will be some ticketed shows and experiences. These will go on sale early in 2026.

The weekend’s activities will also include brand new event ‘Our City’, which brings together a whole host of community groups and organisations, coordinated by Back to Ours. It will include two parades across the day and night through the city centre, culminating in Queen Victoria Square.

Mark Lorch, Professor of Public Engagement and Science Communication at the University of Hull and Festival Director, said: “We're absolutely delighted to be bringing Colliderfest back to the city this March.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, said: “We were blown away by the response to the first ColliderFest earlier this year.

“Hull showed up with curiosity, creativity, and a real appetite for something different.

“That’s why we’re coming back with even more energy, more ideas, and more opportunities to get involved and we’re delighted to have already secured two big names.

“ColliderFest is about bringing together science, art, and community to spark new conversations and we can’t wait to see what happens when we do it all again in 2026.

Following their involvement last year, The Deep have joined the Colliderfest team as a partner to help further science communication and inspire curiosity in this fantastic festival which is growing year on year. Adding to the inspiring programme, an exciting two-day programme will take place at The Deep looking at the science of Bioluminescence.

Katy Duke, CEO of The Deep said: “We are delighted to be a partner of this fantastic festival bringing science to life and inspiring the next generation. We hope to show that ‘science’ is all around us and in particular we will focus on the amazing science of the natural world.”

The full programme will be announced in the new year when tickets will go on sale. Audiences can expect a mix of family-friendly activities, live performances, interactive exhibits, and thought-provoking talks designed to inspire and engage.

ColliderFest is supported by a range of partners and funders including Hull City Council, Hull Maritime, University of Hull, Hull Culture and Leisure and The Deep, continuing to build on Hull’s growing reputation as a city of culture, science, and innovation.