Colliderfest set for 'bigger and bolder' return

A science and arts festival will return in 2026 following a successful first year, organisers have confirmed.

Colliderfest will take place around Hull city centre including the Museums Quarter, Princes Quay and The Deep from 12 to 15 March.

The event will feature family-friendly activities, live performances and interactive exhibits.

Councillor Rob Pritchard said: "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."

The first two days of the festival will focus on school-based activities, while the weekend will open to families and budding scientists.

The festival will see a new event called Our City, which includes two parades which will end in Queen Victoria Square.

The 2025 highlights included a large-scale light and sound installation, a street-theatre show featuring a 13ft-tall sea creature puppet, and an appearance by Maddie Moate, who is known for her children's TV science shows.

Festival director, Prof Mark Lorch, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be bringing Colliderfest back to the city this March.

"Colliderfest is all about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a sense of possibility in everyone. It's going to be a week where Hull comes alive with hands-on discovery and imagination."

The festival is organised by the University of Hull and Hull City Council, in partnership with Hull Museums and The Deep.

While most events will be free to attend, there will be some ticketed events which will go on sale when the full programme is announced in the new year.

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