Norwich Science Festival 2026 in numbers

Presented by The Forum with Principal Partner University of East Anglia, our milestone 10^th anniversary edition of Norwich Science Festival welcomed record audiences to the city.

Across eight days, we showcased our region's scientific excellence with a epic programme of 200+ workshops, immersive exhibitions, family shows and fascinating talks.

Taking place from 14–21 February, we invited visitors of all ages to explore bold ideas for a greener, fairer future with our 2026 theme: Your World, Reimagined. From health and the human body to sustainable living and space travel, the Festival programme shone a spotlight on science that empowers change.

With a fully sold out programme and thousands of tickets booked, here’s Norwich Science Festival 2026 in numbers!

A milestone Festival in numbers

We packed our 2026 Festival programme with 296 events - offering everything from hands-on experiences to show-stopping performances and in-depth science talks.

12,589 tickets were booked and over 90,000 visits were made to see our epic line-up, including adventurer Aldo Kane, BAFTA-winning presenter and YouTuber Maddie Moate and chemist and Great British Bake-Off Finalist Dr Josh Smalley.

In total we welcomed 97 speakers and performers to the Festival, including earth scientist Dr Anjana Khatwa, Dinomania Ranger Chris and his gang of dinosaurs, and the clawsome Crab Museum on the brand-new Atom Stage!

Presented by The Forum, Norwich Science Festival is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and partners. As a registered charity receiving no regular public funding, this support helps us keep the Festival accessible and affordable for our incredible audiences.

This year, more than 35% of Festival events were completely free to attend, and over 14% of the programme was low cost (£6 or under).

Norwich Science Festival 2026 was made possible by 58 partners, including sponsors and in-kind supporters, alongside a dedicated team of volunteers. This year’s volunteers contributed an incredible 302 hours to help audiences explore, discover and take part across the Festival.

At the very heart of the Festival, The Explorium once again transformed The Forum’s Atrium into a free, hands-on STEMM hub. Across eight days, we welcomed 77,412 visits to meet 103 exhibitors, explore the Microbe Zoo, visit the Festival Bookshop and discover something new. An average of 9,676 visitors per day came through the doors to take part in free activities, meet scientists and explore the incredible research happening right here in Norwich.

Building on previous years, we also toured a brand-new schools’ production as part of our Learning Programme. The Great Science Time Tour reached 8,400 pupils across 38 primary and SEND schools in Norfolk.

Developed with actor Tom Butterworth and director Bob Percy, the play introduced pupils to inspirational scientists who changed the world, including Mae Jemison, Marie Curie and Charles Darwin.

The time-twisting adventure ended its run at the Festival as part of our free family programme, where it was enjoyed by a further 1,000 visitors.

Looking ahead

Can’t wait for next year? Neither can we! Planning for Norwich Science Festival 2027 is already underway, and we’ll soon be announcing dates for your diary along with our brand-new theme.

Be the first to hear about programme announcements, special events and the latest Festival news by signing up to our e-newsletter.

Until then, thank you to everyone who joined us for our milestone 10th anniversary Festival - we can’t wait to welcome you back in 2027!