Sidmouth is getting ready for ten days of science, discovery and curiosity as the 2026 Sidmouth Science Festival gets underway on Friday 9 October.
Now in its 15th year, the festival brings a packed programme of talks, activities, demonstrations, workshops and family events to venues across Sidmouth until Sunday 18 October. With a focus on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and maths – the programme explores everything from climate and coastal science to geology, fossils, wildlife, the human brain, robotics and astronomy.
The festival opens on 9 October with a look at Sidmouth’s changing climate, followed by an evening of speakers exploring how food, our health and the natural world are deeply interconnected.
Saturday 10 October is a particular highlight, with Super Science Saturday offering a free day of fun, hands-on activities, experiments, demonstrations and discoveries at venues in the town centre.
There will be plenty for families to get involved with, from science experiments and demonstrations to making activities, bubbles, motors, kites and projectiles. At the Sid Vale Association HQ, visitors of all ages can explore the natural world through activities focusing on hibernating mammals, trees, insects and the creatures living in the River Sid, as well as meeting some fascinating live invertebrates.
The Geology Hub at the Methodist Church and Hall will offer the chance to discover more about the geology and fossils of the local area, with exhibits, hands-on activities and talks throughout the day.
On Sunday 11 October at Kennaway House, two talks explore Science of the Mind, looking at imaging and philosophy of the mind. The talks programme continues throughout the week with several taking place on the afternoon of Saturday 17 October on marine wildlife.
The popular Robot Workshop takes place the same day at All Saints Church Hall, offering a free opportunity for all ages to get hands-on with robotics.
Festival Programme Manager Chris Lockyear said:
“We’re delighted with the variety of speakers, organisations and exhibitors who are taking part in this year’s festival. We have some fascinating people coming to Sidmouth to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, along with some really engaging, hands-on activities and displays.
“It’s wonderful to see such a wide range of science being represented, from our local geology and wildlife to cutting-edge research and the mysteries of the universe. We’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and giving them the opportunity to meet experts, ask questions and get involved.”
The festival concludes on Sunday 18 October with the Family Fun Day at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, combining astronomy and family-friendly activities. Under-18s go free, with adult admission £15.
Throughout the festival, a display of local children’s artwork on the theme of The Moon will be on show at Kennaway House.
The majority of festival events are free, with the remaining events generally low cost. Most activities are drop-in, although a small number require advance booking via the festival website.
Printed copies of the festival programme are available from the Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, library and a range of hotels, cafés and shops in the town. The full programme and booking information are available at www.sidmouthsciencefestival.org.
Donations are welcome to help cover the costs of the festival and sustain it for the future.