Get ready for five days of science, discovery, talks, workshops and interactive experiences as the British Science Festival 2026 comes to Southampton from Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th September. With over 100 free events taking place across the city, there is plenty to explore, from science and technology to health, the environment, arts and culture.
The British Science Festival Southampton is spread across the University of Southampton and several city-centre venues, with most events requiring free advance booking.
British Science Festival Events in Southampton
The British Science Festival 2026 brings over 100 free events to Southampton between Wednesday 16th and Sunday 20th September.
It is not one single exhibition or attraction. Instead, the Festival is a huge programme of events taking place across Southampton city centre and the University of Southampton.
Visitors can choose individual events based on their interests, with the programme including:
- Talks & Discussions: Hear from scientists, researchers and experts exploring a wide range of subjects.
- Workshops: Take part in practical and hands-on activities.
- Drop-In Activities: Explore interactive activities, with some available without advance booking.
- Exhibitions & Installations: Discover scientific research, artwork and interactive displays.
- Performances & Music: Experience events combining science, research, music and creative performance.
- Films & Comedy: Explore scientific ideas through film, comedy and entertainment.
British Science Festival Programme & Timetable
The British Science Festival programme in Southampton runs across five days, with different events taking place throughout each day.
There is no single Festival timetable because activities are spread across multiple venues. Instead, visitors can build their own itinerary by selecting individual events from the programme.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Check the venue: Every event can have a different location, so check the individual listing before travelling.
- Check booking requirements: Most events require free advance booking, while some activities are available as drop-in sessions.
- Allow travel time: Give yourself enough time to move between venues if you are attending multiple events.
- Plan your day: Grouping events at nearby venues can save time and make it easier to attend several sessions.
Wednesday 16th September
- Festival opening day: Talks, workshops, exhibitions and interactive activities begin across Southampton.
Thursday 17th September
- Festival programme continues: Further talks, workshops, drop-in activities and experiences take place across the University and city-centre venues.
Friday 18th September
- Friday programme: Events continue throughout the day, including exhibitions, performances and activities exploring science, technology, culture and Southampton.
Saturday 19th September
- Weekend programme: A packed day of talks, workshops, demonstrations, performances and public activities.
Sunday 20th September
- Final day: Further talks, workshops, exhibitions and interactive activities take place before the Festival concludes.
What Can You Do at the British Science Festival?
You do not need to be a scientist to enjoy the British Science Festival in Southampton. The programme covers a wide range of subjects and formats, so visitors can choose events that match their interests.
- Science & Technology: Discover research, inventions and ideas shaping the future.
- Health: Explore research and discussions around health, wellbeing and medicine.
- Environment & Sustainability: Learn about climate, nature, food, pollution and sustainability.
- Arts & Culture: See how science and research connect with music, performance and visual art.
- History & Heritage: Explore stories connected to science, Southampton and the wider world.
- Interactive Experiences: Take part in activities rather than simply watching or listening.
British Science Festival Highlights in Southampton
The 2026 programme also features events with a strong connection to Southampton, its history, environment and future.
- The Ocean Remembers: An interdisciplinary performance at Turner Sims inspired by Southampton’s connection with the sea.
- The Skate Equation: A science and skateboarding experience taking place in Guildhall Square.
- SOUNDSCALE: Our Sonic City: An exhibition at John Hansard Gallery exploring the sounds and character of the city.
- The Ordnance Survey vernacular map of Southampton: Explore hidden stories and aspects of Southampton through mapping.
- City Dreams: An interactive installation exploring ideas about the future of Southampton.
Other events explore subjects including artificial intelligence, air quality, light pollution, food sustainability, archaeology, health and the natural environment, giving visitors plenty of options beyond traditional science talks.
British Science Festival Venues in Southampton
The British Science Festival in Southampton is spread across multiple venues rather than taking place at one central festival site.
This means the venue for your individual event is important to check before you travel.
Key British Science Festival Venues
- University of Southampton Highfield Campus: One of the main Festival hubs, hosting talks, workshops, exhibitions and other activities.
- Centenary Building: A major University venue being used for Festival events.
- Mayflower Studios: City-centre venue at 142–144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU.
- John Hansard Gallery: City-centre gallery on Above Bar Street hosting exhibitions and creative Festival events.
- Turner Sims: University concert hall at Highfield Campus, with events combining science, music and performance.
- Sir James Matthews Building: University of Southampton venue at 157–187 Above Bar Street, close to several other city-centre Festival locations.
- Southampton City Art Gallery: Central Southampton venue included in the wider Festival programme.
- Guildhall Square: City-centre location being used for Festival activities and public events.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Check your venue: The British Science Festival does not have one single venue, so check the individual event listing before travelling.
- Check the address: Some city-centre venues are close together, while University venues are further north of the city centre.
- Allow extra time: If you are attending more than one event, leave enough time to travel between venues.
- Keep your booking confirmation: Your confirmation will contain the relevant event and venue information.
How to Get to the British Science Festival in Southampton
With events taking place across the city, there are several ways to reach the British Science Festival venues in Southampton.
- By Train: Southampton Central is the main railway station and is approximately a 15-minute walk from the main city-centre Festival venues.
- By Bus: The University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus is served by UniLink routes including the U1, U2 and U6.
- From Southampton Airport: Southampton Airport Parkway provides rail connections towards Southampton, while the University campus is approximately a 20-minute bus journey away.
- By Coach: Southampton Coach Station at Harbour Parade is convenient for city-centre Festival venues.
- By Car: Southampton is connected to the M3 and M27, although city-centre parking can be limited and expensive.
- By Bicycle: Bike racks are available at many Festival venues.
- By Ferry: Visitors travelling from the Isle of Wight can use Red Funnel services to Southampton.
- By Air: Southampton Airport is close to Southampton Airport Parkway, providing connections towards the city.
Getting Between British Science Festival Venues
Planning to attend several British Science Festival events in Southampton? Check the location of each event before booking sessions that are close together.
- City-centre venues: Many central Festival locations are close together and can be reached on foot.
- Southampton Central: The railway station is within walking distance of the main city-centre venues.
- University venues: Highfield Campus is further north of the city centre and is connected by UniLink bus services.
- Back-to-back bookings: Leave enough time between events if you need to travel between different parts of Southampton.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Group nearby events: Booking several events in the same area can make your day much easier.
- Do not cut it too fine: Give yourself time to leave one event, travel to the next venue and find the correct entrance.
- City centre to Highfield: Allow additional travel time when moving between central Southampton and the University campus.
Parking for the British Science Festival Southampton
There is no single British Science Festival car park. Because the programme is spread across multiple locations, your best parking option will depend on the event and venue you are visiting.
- City Centre: Look for parking close to your specific Festival venue, particularly around the Above Bar Street and Guildhall Square area.
- University of Southampton: Check the latest parking arrangements for Highfield Campus before travelling.
- Park & Ride: Southampton’s park and ride services can provide an alternative to driving directly into the city centre.
- Blue Badge Parking: Accessible parking arrangements vary between venues, so check the specific venue information before travelling.
- Plan Ahead: City-centre parking can be busy and expensive, particularly when several events are taking place.
Accessibility at British Science Festival Venues
Accessibility information is available for the individual British Science Festival venues in Southampton, allowing visitors to check facilities before attending.
- Wheelchair Access: The majority of Festival venues are wheelchair accessible.
- Accessible Toilets: Availability varies between venues.
- Accessible Parking: Facilities vary according to the individual venue.
- Transport Information: Public transport and access details are provided for Festival venues.
- Accessibility Filters: The Festival programme includes filters for facilities such as accessible toilets, parking, transport links, audio description and sign language.
Check the accessibility information for your specific event and venue before attending, as facilities can differ between locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the British Science Festival taking place in Southampton?
- The British Science Festival 2026 takes place from Wednesday 16th September to Sunday 20th September 2026 across venues in Southampton.
- Where is the British Science Festival being held?
- The Festival takes place across multiple venues in Southampton, including the University of Southampton and city-centre locations such as Mayflower Studios, John Hansard Gallery, Turner Sims, the Sir James Matthews Building and Guildhall Square.
- How much does the British Science Festival cost?
- All British Science Festival events are free to attend. Most events require advance booking, while some drop-in activities and performances do not require a ticket.
- Do I need to book tickets for the British Science Festival?
- Most talks, workshops and other ticketed events require a free advance booking. Some exhibitions, activities and performances are available as drop-in events without advance booking.
- Does a British Science Festival ticket guarantee entry?
- No. Ticketed events can be overbooked, and empty seats may be offered to walk-in visitors shortly before an event begins. Doors to ticketed talks close 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.
- Is the British Science Festival suitable for children?
- The Festival is open to all ages, but its events are designed for an adult audience aged 16+. Individual event listings may have their own age guidance or restrictions.
- How do I get to the British Science Festival in Southampton?
- Southampton Central railway station is approximately a 15-minute walk from the main city-centre Festival venues. The University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus is served by UniLink routes including the U1, U2 and U6.
- Is there parking at the British Science Festival?
- There is no single Festival car park because events are spread across multiple Southampton venues. Visitors driving should check parking options close to their individual event venue before travelling.
- Is the British Science Festival accessible?
- The majority of Festival venues are wheelchair accessible, although facilities vary between locations. Accessibility information is available for individual venues, including accessible toilets, parking and transport information.
- How many events are taking place at the British Science Festival?
- The 2026 Festival programme features over 100 events and activities across Southampton, including talks, workshops, exhibitions, performances, films, drop-in activities and interactive experiences.
- Where can I find the full British Science Festival programme?
- The full programme contains the individual event details, dates, times, venues and booking information for the British Science Festival 2026.