Free family activities are set to return to Swindon town centre this February half-term, as The Brunel Shopping Centre once again teams up with the Festival of Tomorrow.
Running daily from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February, between 10am and 4pm, the week-long programme will take place downstairs in The Brunel, near Boots. The events form part of Swindon’s annual Festival of Tomorrow, which brings together science, technology and the arts, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Living in the Future’.
Each day offers a different set of interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity, with all activities free to attend and open to families.
The week begins on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February with Invent, Build and Imagine. Children can take on a hands-on bridge-building challenge with Sarah Cosgriff, learning how physics plays a role in creating strong structures. Alongside this, artist and space science educator Helen Schell will lead Invent the Future, a moon mission workshop inviting young participants to blend art and science as they design ideas for a future lunar settlement.
Wednesday 18 February turns up the volume with The Science of Sound. Interactive ‘science busking’ sessions from Noisy Toys will explore acoustics using upcycled materials, while DJ Morgan Thomas hosts drop-in workshops introducing the basics of DJ skills and music production.
On Thursday 19 February, the focus shifts to nature with Bugs and Beasties. Children can learn about insects before creating artwork with illustrator Marian Hill. The day also features Be a Superhero for our Seas with Marine Mumbles, an interactive art session exploring how marine life plays a role in tackling climate change.
The programme wraps up on Friday 20 February with the ever-popular Slime Sensation Station. Led by Devon Science, the session gives children the chance to experiment with simple chemistry by making and customising their own slime to take home.
Louise Halliday, Head of Programming and Outreach for the Festival of Tomorrow, said the return to The Brunel reflects how important accessible activities are for local families.
“Families have told us how valuable it is to have free activities they can enjoy together in the town centre,” she said. “We’re delighted to be back at The Brunel, which continues to be a brilliant space for the community.”
Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director at FI Real Estate Management, said the partnership helps make science and creativity more approachable.
“The Festival of Tomorrow engages young people and families with science and technology in a really hands-on way,” he said. “By offering these activities for free, parents have something practical to do in the town centre, while helping inspire curiosity in the next generation.”
More information about events at The Brunel and across Swindon can be found at www.festivaloftomorrow.com.
