From exploring the inner workings of the human mind to stepping inside a planetarium or meeting robots face to face, Swindon’s Festival of Tomorrow is set to return this February with a bold invitation to imagine what lies ahead.
The annual Festival of Tomorrow brings together artists, performers, researchers, charities, universities and organisations from across the UK to share ideas, discoveries and innovation shaping the future. This year’s theme, Living In The Future, places the spotlight firmly on how we might live, work and play in the years to come.
Backed by key partners including UK Research and Innovation, Business West and Arts Council England, the festival promises an action-packed programme of performances, discussions, immersive art, hands-on workshops and free drop-in activities designed for all ages.
Festival Director Dr Roderick Hebden said the 2026 edition aims to spark curiosity and conversation.
“This year’s theme invites everyone to re-imagine the world of tomorrow,” he said. “We want to encourage debate, creativity and fresh ideas from everyone who takes part. People can expect visually striking exhibits, a wide mix of activities for different ages and interests, and some exciting new venues and partnerships that will take the festival to another level.”
The festival will begin with a dedicated programme of free workshops, performances and online shows for Swindon schools, before spreading across venues throughout the town.
While the full programme is yet to be revealed, families can once again expect a busy half-term week filled with free events, performances and hands-on activities.
Steam Museum will host two standout immersive experiences, both focused on the human brain. State of Mind, an audiovisual walkthrough created by Squid Soup in collaboration with neuroscientist Professor Adrian Owen, explores how today’s digital world shapes our thinking. Alongside it, Network invites visitors into a glowing web of neurons, combining light and sound to represent impulses travelling through the brain.
Both installations will be free to visit from Saturday 14 to Saturday 21 February, alongside a rotating programme of family-friendly workshops, shows and exhibits.
Elsewhere, creative sessions will offer opportunities to try something new, from DJing and poetry to nature-inspired art, with activities designed to welcome complete beginners as well as seasoned creatives.
The festival will conclude with a two-day Finale Extravaganza on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February at The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe. Visitors can explore five free Discovery Zones filled with interactive exhibits showcasing the latest research and innovation. Highlights will include hands-on science from the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition, robot interactions and immersive planetarium shows from Explorer Dome.
Live demonstrations, performances and creative challenges will run throughout the weekend, with contributions from organisations such as the James Dyson Foundation, Catalent, UK Research and Innovation and leading universities.
To receive early access to tickets and festival updates, sign up at festivaloftomorrow.com and follow @festivaloftomorrow on Facebook and Instagram.
