Since our first Festival in 2016, Norwich Science Festival has grown into a much-loved part of the city’s calendar. We’re so proud to see it now recognised as a major celebration of science, curiosity and creativity across the UK.
Presented by The Forum, the Festival is all about making science accessible, exciting and fun for everyone. This year, our eight-day programme invited visitors of all ages to discover how science shapes our shared future - from climate and biodiversity to health and technology.
Packed with inspiring talks, spectacular shows and plenty of wow moments, Norwich Science Festival 2025 was a reminder that the future is fluid, not fixed. It’s something we can all explore, question, and help create.
Taking place from 15-22 February 2025, this year’s Festival filled every corner of the city. The Forum was once again at the heart of the action, welcoming thousands of visitors through the doors to experience The Explorium’s hands-on exhibits and live demos.
Whether it was children discovering the explosive magic of chemistry for the first time, or adults deep-diving into climate science and artificial intelligence, the Festival programme had something for every keen scientist to enjoy.
75,131 visitors
10,738 tickets booked
230+ events
83 speakers and performers
109 Explorium Exhibitors
“I was meeting friends from London and took them to the Festival – they loved it and vowed to come back next year. Made me very proud!”
This year we introduced some exciting Festival firsts, including our spectacular Workshop Hub at Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form. Children were able to get hands on with science in three immersive workshops, delivered by a fantastic team of Explainers and expert facilitators.
Dr Nikhil Mistry provided plenty of wow moments with his explosive chemistry show, Boom, Bang Whoosh! Taking place outside The Forum on Upper Millennium Plain, huge audiences gathered to see the science behind chemical reactions. We can’t wait to bring more outdoor shows to next year’s Festival – keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
One of the things we love most about Norwich Science Festival is its power to bring people together. Staying true to our mission to inspire a diverse range of audiences, we’re committed to making science accessible and inclusive for all.
This year, we offered a programme of free SEND workshops and Relaxed Performances, alongside a dedicated Festival Quiet Space to support sensory needs. From Melodic Moves to the TouchTunes Playlab, The Explorium Marquee hosted a fantastic line-up of SEND sessions and workshops throughout the Festival week.
We offered free entry to 43% of The Festival programme – including the return of the ever-popular Animal Dissection Live with Norwich Science Festival Patrons Dr Jess French and Prof Ben Garrod. A free, family play exploring food science ran twice daily and the University of East Anglia (UEA), as the Festival’s Programming Partner, delivered a fantastic programme of free events and drop-in activities.
Whilst the Festival may be over for another year, our community engagement work continues all year round!
Find out more about Science on Your Doorstep – a project that brings the wonders of science to families and young people across Norwich.
“NSF25 combined big names like Steve Backshall and Darcey Bussell with amazing opportunities for little people like our new workshops and the huge success of the learning programme play. The Explorium really came alive with the fantastic banners and hands-on opportunities."
Claire continues - "It might be ten months away, but we are busy planning Norwich Science Festival 2026 and I’m so excited with some of the events we have already booked for our ten-year anniversary!”
Already counting down till next year? So are we! The wheels are already turning as we start planning for next year, when we’ll be celebrating a huge milestone - 10 years of Norwich Science Festival!
A whole decade of sparking curiosity, spotlighting innovation, and bringing the city together to celebrate science.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just discovering the Festival for the first time, we’d love for you to be a part of it.
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