‘Ready to amaze, dazzle and educate’: ColliderFest line-up revealed

COMING TO HULL: Space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

British space scientist and science educator, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Team GB Olympian Grant Hardie and British Ice Dancing great, Sir Christopher Dean will visit Hull next month as part of ColliderFest 2026.

From Thursday, March 12 to Sunday March 15, the city centre will once again become a space for science, creativity and culture as the celebration of all things STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) returns.

Following its debut last year, the 2026 ColliderFest programme promises an even more dynamic festival of imagination, exploration and wonder, Hull City Council said. 

This year the themes of innovation and community will run throughout the festival. The first two days will focus on school-based activities, with the weekend opening to families and budding scientists, with a packed programme of talks, performances, installations, and hands-on experiences for all ages. 

Organised by the council and the University of Hull, in partnership with Hull Museums and The Deep, the event includes free drop-in sessions and activities across venues including Hull Museums Quarter, Ferens Art Gallery, The Deep, Federation of Sport, Princes Quay, Humber Street and the Wilberforce Institute.

Free family activities across the weekend include e-gaming, model wind-turbine building, printing 3D bees, singing, arrow-making, supercomputers and more.

Most of the events will be free to attend with no booking required, but there are some ticketed shows and experiences. These include an evening with Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the science behind curling with Team GB Olympian Grant Hardie, and a conversation with Sir Christopher Dean. 

ColliderFest in the Community will take place at St Matthew’s Church in Anlaby Road, with domino computing and lego.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, the council’s portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “ColliderFest was a resounding success last year and we’re so excited to see it return for 2026 to amaze, dazzle and educate.

“We have some huge names in the STEAM sector confirmed, including Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, promising fascinating talks and experiences.

“With a huge range of activities for all ages, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

“Hull is well-versed in holding large scale public events and our residents have a great appetite to try new things – ColliderFest is the perfect addition to the city’s event calendar and I can’t wait to see it arrive.”

IN CONVERSATION: Sir Christopher Dean

Professor Mark Lorch, festival director and Professor of Science Communication and Public Engagement at the university, said: “At the University of Hull, our mission is to challenge, to inspire, and to push the frontiers of knowledge and creativity, to support new generations of future change-makers.

“ColliderFest is an incredible celebration of science and the arts, and I’m delighted that we are once again at the heart of the team making it happen, to be working with visionary scientists, artists and sports pioneers – individuals who have travelled to the edges of discovery and reimagined what’s possible.

“This year’s ColliderFest continues to break new ground with an exciting programme inviting people of all ages to explore, experiment and be inspired. We’re proud to play our part in an event that sparks curiosity and fuels our passion for learning.”

Katy Duke, CEO of The Deep said: “The Deep is thrilled to play its part in ColliderFest, to help spark curiosity and inspire people of all ages and support an event that opens doors to new ideas and possibilities. We’re proud to play a role in bringing world‑class STEAM experiences to Hull and championing the next generation of scientists and innovators.”

The weekend’s activities will also include brand new event Our City, which brings together a host of community groups and organisations, coordinated by Back to Ours. It will include two parades across the day and night through the city centre to Queen Victoria Square. 

Find out more about the full ColliderFest 2026 programme here. Ticketed events go on sale on Friday, February 6.