British Science Festival

Each year, we bring an inspiring programme of free events to the public over four or five days, bursting with exciting opportunities to get involved in. Our talks, workshops and drop-in events span a diverse range of subjects that encompass science in the broadest sense, promising something for everyone. 

The British Science Association (BSA), and the University of Southampton are pleased to announce that the British Science Festival for 2026 will take place in Southampton across five days next September.

The Festival will be held between Wednesday 16 and Sunday 20 September 2026, with events due to take place in venues across the city. The programme will feature free events, exhibitions, performances and installations that celebrate the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science. The full details of this year's Festival programme including the Award Lectures, Sections Presidents and Community grants will be announced in early July.

Opportunities to get involved in 2026 Community grants

Each year, the British Science Association provides grants to community groups and organisations in the host festival city that work directly with audiences who are traditionally underrepresented and currently not engaged in science activity. We want to empower and support community groups to run their own science activities as part of the British Science Festival, enabling new local audiences to engage with science. You can find out more at the British Science Festival website: https://britishsciencefestival.org/community-grants/