Hull to host new festival celebrating science, art, and culture in a four-day extravaganza

Hull city centre is poised to become a hub of creativity and innovation as it gears up to host an exciting four-day festival next year including a city centre light spectacle.

The inaugural Colliderfest, a joint venture between Hull City Council, the Hull Maritime project, Hull Museums and Gallery, and the University of Hull, will delve into the dynamic connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and maths.

The free four-day spectacle, which will take place between Thursday, March 13 and Sunday, March 16, will feature two days of educational events for schools, followed by a weekend brimming with thrilling science and arts-based activities, workshops and shows, along with a grand evening display of light installations scattered across the city centre.

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Colliderfest 2025 will begin with two days dedicated to children and young people, inspiring them to consider careers in science, green energy and innovation. Visitors can expect a wide range of workshops, performances, and interactive exhibitions led by industry experts and globally-recognised scientists.

There will also be a spotlight on environmental issues aimed at sparking discussions and actions that tackle our planet's challenges.

The second half of the festival, taking place on the weekend, will cater to families and young people. The programme is packed with discovery zones scattered across the Museums Quarter, Ferens Art Gallery, and Hull Truck Theatre, among others.

These venues will host interactive exhibits, live performances, family fun, and hands-on engineering challenges for all to enjoy.

The festival schedule includes family-friendly shows and attendees can also get involved in a plethora of hands-on activities, workshops, and experiments, including exotic animal handling, cutting-edge robotics demonstrations, and things to do highlighting the effects of environmental and climatic change.

Academics from the University of Hull and local science-based industries have created a range of activities hosted at these venues, aiming to spark interest in the world of science and technology.

Highlights will include an outdoor physical theatre performance, showcasing a 13-foot-tall sea giant puppet that tells a poignant story about climate change through dance and skilled puppetry. This spectacle, tailored for families and festival-goers, tells the enchanting tale of Eko, a sea giant who emerges from the deep ocean and meets a brave little girl named Violet on the shore.

Meanwhile, visitors can experience a magical evening of light, art, and movement on Friday, March 14 by following a trail of stunning displays at various locations that will transform the city centre.

The event will take place alongside Hull’s second Cultural Tides conference on March 14, when the Culture and Heritage Strategy 2025-2030 is set to launch at Hull Truck Theatre.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “This festival is an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation.

“As the first city centre science and art festival, we hope to establish it as an annual celebration. For those who may not have a prior interest in science and arts, we believe there will be something in the programme to spark curiosity, creativity and a desire to learn more.

“Alongside the launch of our new Culture and Heritage strategy, the event aims to shine a light on Hull’s continuing journey as a city brimming with culture and creativity.”

Professor Mark Lorch, University of Hull - Professor of Public Engagement and Science Communication and Festival Director, said: "Over the last ten years we've held a science festival centred around the University Campus. I'm thrilled that partnerships with Hull City Council, the Hull Maritime project, Hull Museums and Gallery, have enabled this to grow into a city wide event.

“Colliderfest will fuse all drama and creativity of the arts with the amazing science and technology from around the region and create a truly inspiring new feature in the city's calendar.”

For more information and to register your interest in the festival follow X @Colliderfest, Facebook @ColliderfestUK and Tiktok @colliderfest or visit colliderfest.co.uk