Explore our universe at this year’s Chelmsford Science Festival

Chelmsford Science Festival returns this October. Image credit: Anglia Ruskin University. Photo by Paul Starr.

One of Essex’s biggest celebrations of science is set to return to Chelmsford this October to inspire people of all ages to explore our incredible universe.

Now entering its fifth year, Chelmsford Science Festival has revealed a packed programme of more than 30 events taking place from 20-28 October. This year’s theme for the festival is ‘Future Worlds: Earth, Space, You’ and features interactive events, big guest speakers, family days and other exciting content.

The festival is organised by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in partnership with Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You, and sponsored by Teledyne.

National figures set to headline speaker schedule

This year, Chelmsford Science Festival’s line up of guest speakers features some very exciting household names!

Chris Packham joins the festival for the first time on 24 October. The naturalist, TV presenter, and environmental campaigner will present the festival’s inaugural Shaping Sustainable Futures annual lecture. Later, on 27 October, historian, broadcaster and bestselling author, David Olusoga, will talk about how history, identity, migration and representation are shaping the Britain of tomorrow.

This year's speakers include Chris Packham, David Olusoga and Dr Emma Chapman.

Also joining the lineup is astrophysicist Dr Emma Chapman, who is asking ‘what does the universe sound like?’ (26 October), and Professor Silke Paulmann, looking at the science of the human voice (21 October). Plus, on 22 October Big Manny hosts an inspiring evening sharing his experiences and lessons learned during his journey from biomedical science student to STEM social media star.

And that’s not all! Science communicator Jon Chase will be hosting two interactive events: Rap Science: Our Space Environment (24 October) and The Science of Harry Potter (26 October). While on 22 October, presenter Dallas Campbell will explore discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos. Campbell’s talk will include a showcase of a wearable replica of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit.

Popular Family Science Days are back

For local families, Chelmsford Science Festival’s dedicated Family Science Weekend is a highlight in the annual calendar, featuring interactive hands-on experiments, technology experiences, and the chance to meet real scientists and innovators. These popular days are returning on 24 and 25 October this year and are once again completely free to attend.

This year's Family Science Weekend is set to feature varied interactive activities. Image credit: Anglia Ruskin University. Photo by Paul Starr.

Back again this year for the Family Science Weekend are live science shows. Ranging from bubble science to AI robotics, there’s plenty to capture the imagination of little ones. Each show is free to attend but make sure you book your space in advance.

Relaxed SEN hours are also available on each Family Science Day, providing an opportunity for families with Special Educational Needs to enjoy a quieter session.

New events celebrating all facets of science

The programme for 2026 will include talks, workshops and interactive experiences for all ages. Image credit: Anglia Ruskin University. Photo by Paul Starr.

There’s even more for both kids and adults to enjoy throughout the festival week, including:

• Moonshot Fitness: Could Jumping on the Moon Save your Health? (20 October) – a talk from ARU’s Professor Dan Gordon exploring how the unique challenges of living in low gravity can help us better understand the importance of movement, muscle strength, and bone health for everyone.

• Babies Laugh Out Loud (23 October) – an interactive performance for babies and caregivers combining live puppetry, infant-friendly music, peekaboo games and the joyful science of why babies laugh.

• The Science of Menopause (23 October) – a welcoming, science-informed workshop exploring what happens during perimenopause and menopause, with practical tips on movement, strength and nutrition to help you thrive in midlife.

• Ice Age Essex (26 October) – a journey through Essex's extraordinary Ice Age past with retired geologists Ian and Ros Mercer.

• Brainiac Live at Chelmsford Theatre (28 October) – explosive experiments and science mysteries explored in the UK’s favourite family science show, live.

• Spark! Playable Worlds (various dates) – a fringe event exploring the world of gaming and creative careers through workshops and activities.

There's something for everyone to enjoy at Chelmsford Science Festival. Image credit: Anglia Ruskin University. Photo by Paul Starr.

Explore more events online

If all the above somehow isn’t enough to whet the appetites of budding scientists – young and old – for this year’s Chelmsford Science Festival, there’s even more to explore on the ARU website. See the full programme of events at www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsford-science-festival.