Hosted by the University of Southampton, this year’s British Science Festival takes place in one of the UK’s leading centres for marine research, education and industry. From 16–20 September, the Festival will show how marine science is helping us better understand and protect our oceans through a diverse programme of free events across the city.
Southampton is home to world-leading organisations including the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton’s Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, making it the ideal place to explore the science of our seas.
Festival-goers can dive into the mysteries of the deep ocean, discover how climate change is affecting marine life, explore ways to protect our seas, and experience marine science through art, performance and interactive activities.
Events will take place at the University’s Highfield campus and city centre venues, including cultural landmarks such as Mayflower Studios, John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims.
With more than 80 free events, from comedy shows and art installations to dynamic performances, hands-on workshops, insightful talks and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone at the British Science Festival this September.
Discover the mysteries of one of Earth’s least explored environments
The Deep-Sea Dilemma
(Talk)
Date: 16 September 2026
Time: 12.30–13.30
Venue: Centenary Building (100), Lecture Theatre A
Should we mine the deep sea for the minerals needed to tackle climate change? Join Eva Stewart (Natural History Museum) to explore the hidden world of deep-sea life and the impact mining could have on these unique ecosystems. Discover the opportunities, challenges and ethical questions surrounding one of the planet’s last unexplored frontiers.
Across Time and Tide: Exploring the Deep Sea
(Workshop)
Date: 17 September 2026
Time: 10.30–11.30
Venue: Centenary Building (100), Seminar Room 3023
Travel back to the early days of deep-sea exploration and discover the remarkable creatures uncovered by the Royal Research Ship Discovery. Join Tammy Horton (National Oceanography Centre) and Sam Robinson (Royal Historical Society) to sketch fascinating deep-sea animals, explore historic artworks and documents, and uncover the stories of the scientists and crew who helped reveal the mysteries of the ocean depths.
Learn how climate change is reshaping marine ecosystems
Dark Stories from Deep-Sea Sharks
(Talk)
Date: 16 September 2026
Time: 10.30–11.30
Venue: Centenary Building (100), Seminar Room 4013
What’s happening to the ocean’s largest deep-sea sharks? Join marine biologist and ocean explorer Daniel Moore (University of Exeter) to discover how climate change and human activity are reshaping life in the deep ocean. Learn how these remarkable predators live, hunt and survive, and why changes beneath the waves matter to all of us.
Be inspired to take action for healthier oceans
CastAway in Bitterne
(Outdoor performance)
Date: 18 September 2026
Times: 15.30–16.00 and 18.00–18.30
Venue: Bitterne Village (outside Sainsbury’s)
Experience a spectacular aerial performance exploring our relationship with waste, waterways and the environment. CastAway by Highly Sprung brings an underwater world to life with an all-female cast performing on a giant gyroscopic flying machine 26 feet above the ground. Inspired by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, this powerful outdoor show invites audiences to reflect on sustainability, climate change and the choices we make.
Southampton’s Spogomi Showdown
(Workshop)
Date: 20 September 2026
Time: 10.00–12.30
Venue: The Artisan, Guildhall Square
Can litter picking become a sport? Take part in Spogomi, the Japanese competition that combines teamwork, strategy and cleaning up your local environment. Working in teams or as a solo participant, you’ll have 45 minutes to collect and sort as much litter as possible. Help make Southampton cleaner while competing to become the city’s top litter pickers.
Experience the ocean through art, creativity and immersive installations
Paint Your Plankton Portrait
(Workshop)
Date: 18 September 2026
Time: 18.30–20.00
Venue: John Hansard Gallery, Active Space
What type of plankton are you? Explore the fascinating world of these tiny ocean organisms through a microscope with scientist Elena Garcia-Martin (National Oceanography Centre), then create your own plankton-inspired self-portrait with street artist Joanna Ross (Good Idea Today). Contribute to a collaborative artwork celebrating the hidden beauty of life beneath the waves.
From Microscope to Mural: Plankton Portraits
(Drop-in activity)
Date: 19 September 2026
Time: 12.00–17.00
Venue: Guildhall Square
Watch local street artist Joanna Ross (Good Idea Today) transform plankton portraits created by Festival visitors into a striking outdoor mural. Discover the surprising lives of these tiny ocean organisms, learn how they connect to the personalities of their creators, and see science and art come together in the heart of Southampton.
Lateral Lines
(Exhibition)
Dates: 18–20 September 2026
Times:
• 18 September: 17.00–20.00
• 19 September: 11.00–17.00
• 20 September: 11.00–17.00
Venue: John Hansard Gallery, Barker-Mill Gallery
Step into the sensory world of a fish in this immersive installation by artist James Wylie. Discover how underwater creatures experience sound, touch and movement, and explore the effects of noise pollution from Southampton’s busy dockyard on marine life. Experience the ocean from a new perspective and consider what the future holds for life beneath the waves.
Please note: This exhibition contains flashing lights and loud sounds and may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy.