The Festival of Tomorrow is back, bringing Swindon’s community an inspiring blend of science, innovation, and creativity from 12th to 23rd February 2025. This year’s programme is the largest yet, with over 150 events and activities, including captivating performances, interactive exhibits, and hands-on workshops for all ages.
A standout feature of this year’s festival is Luke Jerram’s touring artwork Gaia, set to be displayed at Steam – Museum of the Great Western Railway. This breathtaking, six-metre-diameter replica of Earth, based on NASA imagery, will act as the centrepiece of a week-long schedule filled with free family activities, workshops, and thought-provoking exhibits.
The half-term week will also showcase HotHouse, an interactive garden of 2.5m tall robotic plant sculptures created by Bristol’s Air Giants, alongside Swindon-based Neon Dance’s wearable sound sculptures and a fin-tastic marine trail at the Designer Outlet. The festival will culminate in a thrilling two-day finale on 21st and 22nd February at Deanery CE Academy, featuring four free interactive Discovery Zones and engaging live shows from organisations like the European Space Agency, the James Dyson Foundation, and the Woodland Trust.
For those unable to attend in person, the festival extends its reach online. Highlights include a live stream with Dallas Campbell from the Science Museum’s new Hawking Building and a ship-to-shore conversation with Antarctic researchers aboard the Polarstern icebreaker.
Festival Director Dr Roderick Hebden said: “This year’s programme invites us to re-imagine our planet’s future while showcasing the groundbreaking research and innovation shaping our world today. It’s an unmissable opportunity for people of all ages to explore, learn, and be inspired.”
With something for everyone—from dinosaur-themed science raps to discussions on climate change—this year’s Festival of Tomorrow is a must-visit. Book your tickets now at www.festivaloftomorrow.com, as spaces for ticketed events are expected to fill quickly.
