Norfolk

New Outdoor Science Shows Coming to Norwich Festival

By

Karen McGinn
6 February 2026, 10:48 am

The Norwich Science Festival is returning to The Forum in Norwich, Norfolk, from February 14, 2026, to February 21, 2026. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the event, which offers families a week of free hands-on activities and workshops during the school half-term break.

For the first time, The Forum Trust — in partnership with organisations including the University of East Anglia and Norwich Research Park — is setting up an outdoor space called the Arena of Science. This new area will feature daily shows with bubbles, robots and fire right outside The Forum.

Partners including the University of East Anglia and Norwich Research Park will provide local experts and scientists to help visitors learn about technology and nature. Children’s presenter Maddie Moate is also joining the festival this year as a patron to help celebrate the tenth anniversary.

Families can visit a free hands-on hub called The Explorium, where scientists and presenters will demonstrate how their work connects to planetary and human health. While many events are free to walk into, some headline talks and special sessions will require tickets, which can be booked through the festival website.

The event is supported by local groups, including Norwich High School for Girls, which is listed as a sponsor for the 2026 Festival. In 2025 the festival attracted roughly 75,000 visitors during the Norfolk school half-term.