All you need to know about Hull Colliderfest 2026

22 hours ago

Charis Scott-HolmEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — The Sky at Night host Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock will be appearing at Colliderfest

Getty Images A woman with a pulled-back braided hairstyle, wearing a black jacket and glittery blue dress with a red knitted broach on it. She stands in front of a light blue advertising board at a red carpet event. She is smiling. — The Sky at Night host Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock will be appearing at Colliderfest

A science and arts festival will return to Hull city centre.

Featuring family friendly activities from 12 to 15 March, the second Colliderfest will include performances, talks and arts installations for all ages.

Among the highlights will be an evening with space scientist and broadcaster Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, of 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."

Tom Arran Several people wearing yellow fleeces man a large puppet inside Hull City Hall, children surround the puppet and the photo is taken from below to show the size of the creature. — A giant puppet took a tour of Hull's landmarks during last year's event

Here is everything you need to know about Colliderfest 2026:

What is Colliderfest?

Organised by Hull City Council and the University of Hull, in partnership with Hull Museums and The Deep, Colliderfest is a celebration of all things STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.

Free family activities during the festival will include e-gaming, model wind-turbine building, printing 3D bees and arrow making.

The University of Hull's Prof Mark Lorch, festival director, described the event as an "incredible celebration" of science and the arts.

He said: "This year's ColliderFest continues to break new ground with an exciting programme inviting people of all ages to explore, experiment and be inspired."

The first event took place in March 2025 and included a large-scale light and sound installation in the city centre, and a street-theatre show featuring a 13ft-tall sea creature puppet.

When and where is it happening?

The first two days will see events take place in the city's schools, with the weekend (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March) seeing events across the city centre, which are open to everyone.

Venues hosting events include Hull Museums Quarter, Ferens Art Gallery, The Deep, Federation of Sport, Princes Quay, Humber Street and the Wilberforce Institute.

The weekend's activities will also include a new event called Our City, which will include two parades across the day and night through the city centre, ending in Queen Victoria Square.

Finally, a Colliderfest in the Community event will take place at St Matthews Church on Anlaby Road, with domino computing and Lego activities.

Tom Arran A large disco themed installation, with lasers, disco balls, and dry ice, based on one of the city centre's streets. — Events will take place across Hull city centre, including in the Old Town's Museums Quarter

Will I need tickets?

Most of the events will be free to attend with no booking required, but there are some ticketed shows and experiences.

These include an evening with Dame Aderin-Pocock, the science behind curling with Team GB Olympian Grant Hardie, in conversation with now-retired ice skater Sir Christopher Dean, as well as the comedy Robo Bingo event.

Ticketed events go on sale on Friday 6 February.

Find out more about ColliderFest 2026 here.