2nd February 2026
British space scientist and science educator, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Team GB Olympian Grant Hardie and British Ice Dancing great, Sir Christopher Dean will visit Hull this March as part of ColliderFest 2026.
From Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 March, Hull city centre will once again become a centre for science, creativity and culture as the celebration of all things STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) returns.
Following the resounding success of its debut last year, the 2026 ColliderFest programme, now live, promises an even more dynamic festival of imagination, exploration and wonder.
This year the themes of Innovation and Community will run throughout the festival. The first two days (Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March) will focus on school-based activities, whilst the weekend (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.
Organised by Hull City Council and the University of Hull, in partnership with Hull Museums and The Deep, 2026’s event includes free drop-in sessions and activities across a whole host of venues including Hull Museums Quarter, Ferens Art Gallery, The Deep, Federation of Sport, Princes Quay, Humber St and the Wilberforce Institute.
Free family activities across the weekend include everything from e-gaming, to model wind-turbine building, printing 3D bees, singing and storytime, arrow making, supercomputers and much much more.
Whilst most of the events will be free to attend with no booking required, there are some ticketed shows and experiences. These include an evening with British space scientist and science educator, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the science behind curling with Team GB Olympian Grant Hardie, in conversation with British Ice Dancing great, Sir Christopher Dean and the amazing comedy Robo Bingo makes a welcome return.
‘Colliderfest in the Community’ will take place at St Matthews Church on Anlaby Road, with domino computing and lego available to take part in.
Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at Hull City Council said: “ColliderFest was a resounding success last year and we’re so excited to see it return for 2026 to amaze, dazzle and educate.
“We have some huge names in the STEAM sector confirmed, including Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, promising fascinating talks and experiences.
“With a huge range of activities for all ages, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy.
“Hull is well-versed in holding large scale public events and our residents have a great appetite to try new things – Colliderfest is the perfect addition to the city’s event calendar and I can’t wait to see it arrive.”
Professor Mark Lorch, Festival Director and Professor of Science Communication and Public Engagement at the University of Hull, said: “At the University of Hull, our mission is to challenge, to inspire, and to push the frontiers of knowledge and creativity, to support new generations of future change-makers.
“ColliderFest is an incredible celebration of science and the arts, and I’m delighted that we are once again at the heart of the team making it happen, to be working with visionary scientists, artists and sports pioneers — individuals who have travelled to the edges of discovery and reimagined what’s possible.
“This year’s ColliderFest continues to break new ground with an exciting programme inviting people of all ages to explore, experiment and be inspired. We’re proud to play our part in an event that sparks curiosity and fuels our passion for learning.”
Katy Duke, CEO of The Deep said: “The Deep is thrilled to play its part in Colliderfest, to help spark curiosity and inspire people of all ages and support an event that opens doors to new ideas and possibilities. We’re proud to play a role in bringing world‑class STEAM experiences to Hull and championing the next generation of scientists and innovators.”
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.
Find out more about the full ColliderFest 2026 programme here. Ticketed events go on sale this Friday 6 February.
