The colourful printed programme for this year’s Sidmouth Science Festival is now available, giving local residents and visitors the chance to browse the packed programme and start planning their festival experience.
The Sidmouth Science Festival returns from Friday 9 to Sunday 18 October, bringing ten days of discovery, curiosity and fun to venues across the town.
Now in its 15th year, the festival has something for all ages and interests, from hands-on family activities and fascinating talks to demonstrations, workshops and opportunities to explore the science behind the world around us.
Printed programmes are available now from Tourist Information Centres, local libraries and a range of hotels, cafés and shops in Sidmouth and across East Devon and Exeter. The full programme is also available online at www.sidmouthsciencefestival.org. (Download the Festival Programme, PDF 1.08MB)
Some of the festival’s most popular events are back for 2026, offering plenty to tempt families.
Super Science Saturday returns on Saturday 10 October at town centre venues, offering a day of free, hands-on science activities, experiments and demonstrations designed to encourage curiosity and discovery.
The day also features the Geology Hub at the Methodist Church and Hall, where visitors can explore the fascinating science beneath our feet and discover more about the geology and fossils of the local area.
On Saturday 17 October, the popular Robot Workshop offers another free opportunity for all ages to get hands-on with the fascinating world of robotics.
The festival concludes on Sunday 18 October with the Norman Lockyer Observatory Family Day, combining astronomy and family-friendly activities. Under-18s go free, with adult admission £15.
Throughout the festival a display of local children’s art will be on display at Kennaway House with the theme of The Moon.
This year’s programme explores a remarkable range of subjects, reflecting the festival’s focus on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.
Expert speakers provide opportunities to discover more about Sidmouth’s changing climate and coastal environment, local geology and fossils, the human brain, bees and lichens, robotics and astronomy. For those who enjoy science with a touch of entertainment, there’s even the chance to discover the science of magic and join the hunt for the Higgs Boson.
Festival Programme Manager, Chris Lockyear, says:
“We’ve put together a really varied programme this year, and there genuinely is something for everyone. You certainly don’t need to consider yourself a ‘science person’ to enjoy the festival – many of our events are designed simply to spark curiosity and encourage people to ask questions and discover something new.
“We’re also very conscious of keeping the festival accessible. Thanks to sponsorship, the majority of our events are completely free, with the remaining events generally low cost.”
Events take place at venues across Sidmouth, with the majority being drop-in activities and just a few requiring pre-booking. The full programme is available on the festival’s website where places can be booked if required.
Donations are welcome to cover all costs and sustain the festival for the future and can be made on the day or via the website.
For full details and booking information, visit www.sidmouthsciencefestival.org.
Ends
Photo credit Sidmouth Science Festival, 2025 events. More images are available from:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sidmouthscience/albums/72177720329724180
Background:
Sidmouth Science Festival began in 2012 with a weekend of events and now spans ten days, becoming one of Sidmouth’s most popular festivals. Its purpose is to inform, inspire, promote and advance public education in scientific disciplines, showing how they impact on our daily lives. The festival particularly seeks to engage those who may not usually take part in science-related activities.
2026 Festival sponsors are:
Sidmouth Town Council
Devon County Council
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Talks this year are supported by the following partners:
All Saints Church
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Art Society of Sidmouth
Sid Vale Association
Devonshire Association
Norman Lockyer Observatory