We can’t wait to bring this year’s British Science Festival to Southampton, in partnership with the University of Southampton. It’s easy to pass through, visit, or even live in places without stopping to uncover the stories that make them unique.
A series of events, exhibitions, workshops and talks on this year’s British Science Festival programme invites you to discover Southampton from a new perspective, exploring its hidden history, vibrant communities, distinctive identity, and plans for the future.
With themes spanning history, heritage, art, music, nature, technology, health and sustainability, the Festival offers countless ways to discover Southampton.
Events will take place across the University’s campuses and city centre venues, including cultural landmarks such as Mayflower Studios, John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims, each of which has co-commissioned new interdisciplinary theatre, installation and music works for the Festival.
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.
Explore the city’s hidden stories, history, identity and future
The Ordnance Survey vernacular map of Southampton
(Drop-in activity)
Dates: 16–17 September 2026
Time: 10.00–15.00
Venue: Centenary Building (100), Southampton – Main Entrance
How do you describe Southampton? Add the place names, nicknames and landmarks that only locals know to Ordnance Survey’s living map of the city. Your local knowledge could even help emergency services better understand how people navigate Southampton. Drop in, share your favourite spots and help build a unique picture of the city through the eyes of its residents.
Transformed by Roman fire: From ashes to art
(Workshop)
Date: 19 September 2026
Time: 14.00
Venue: Southampton City Art Gallery – Education Room
Travel back to Roman Southampton and uncover the story of a pottery warehouse destroyed by fire nearly 2,000 years ago. Handle archaeology, discover how scientists conserve ancient artefacts and get creative with experimental drawing inspired by the objects beneath your feet. A fascinating blend of history, science and art.
The Ocean Remembers (Performance)
Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026
Time: 19.00–20.30
Venue: Turner Sims (52) – Main Auditorium
Celebrate Southampton’s maritime heritage at the Festival launch with a powerful new performance inspired by our changing oceans. Blending music, spoken word and soundscapes, this unique commission reflects on the city’s connection to the sea, marine life and our shared future, followed by inspiring talks and a drinks reception.
See, hear and explore the city in new ways
The Urbane Forager (Guided walk)
Date: Thursday 17 September 2026
Time: 15.00–16.30
Venue: Turner Sims (52) – Foyer
Discover the surprising edible plants growing across Southampton on a guided walk around Southampton Common. Learn how to identify wild fruit, sample what’s in season and rethink the city as an unexpected source of food. You may never look at your daily walk in quite the same way again.
SOUNDSCALE: Our Sonic City (Drop-in exhibition)
Dates: 18–20 September 2026
Various times:
Friday 18 September: 17.00–20.00
Saturday 19 September: 11.00–17.00
Sunday 20 September: 11.00–17.00
Venue: John Hansard Gallery – Foyer
What can the sounds beneath Southampton’s streets reveal? Explore an interactive exhibition that turns underground fibre optic cables into city-wide sensors, uncovering hidden vibrations below your feet. Discover how cutting-edge technology could change the way we understand cities, transport and public spaces.
The Skate Equation (Drop-in activity)
Dates: 18–20 September 2026
Live demonstrations:
Saturday 19 September: 13.30–14.15
Sunday 20 September: 15.30–16.15
Venue: Guildhall Square
Experience Guildhall Square transformed into a skate park where maths meets movement. Watch live skateboarding demonstrations, explore sculptures inspired by geometry and discover the surprising science behind every trick. Whether you’re a skater or simply curious, it’s a fresh way to see one of Southampton’s busiest public spaces.
See, Sketch, Sew: Crafting a slower city (Workshop)
Date: Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: 15.00–17.00
Venue: John Hansard Gallery – Active space
Slow down and notice the nature hidden in Southampton’s streets. Join local artists for a gentle walk before sketching or stitching your discoveries using traditional Bengali nakshi kantha embroidery techniques. A creative workshop celebrating the beauty that’s often overlooked in everyday urban life.
Discover how science and local people can help create a better future
City Dreams (Drop-in installation)
Dates: 18-19 September 2026
Venue: John Hansard Gallery – Foyer
Times: Friday 18 September 17.00 – 20.00 and on Saturday 19 September 11.00 – 17.00
What would your ideal Southampton look like? Share your vision with an interactive AI installation that transforms your ideas into immersive digital worlds. From greener spaces to vibrant community hubs, discover how creativity and technology can inspire conversations about the future of the city.
Southampton and the Disappearing Night (Talk)
Date: 18 September 2026
Time: 19.00
Venue: Sir James Matthews Building – Lecture Theatre 1
As Southampton grows brighter, what happens to its wildlife, environment and our own wellbeing? Discover how light pollution affects life after dark and explore practical ways communities can create healthier, safer and more sustainable nights for people and nature alike.
Mapping the Air We Share (Drop-in activity)
Date: 20 September 2026
Time: 11.00
Venue: Sir James Matthews Building – The Student Hub
Take a closer look at the air around you. Explore Southampton’s air quality, investigate household dust and discover how pollution affects our lungs and health. Through interactive activities, learn how science is helping communities better understand and improve the air we all breathe.
Southampton’s Spogomi Showdown (Workshop/competition)
Date: Sunday 20 September
Time: 10.00
Venue: The Artisan
Join the global phenomenon of competitive litter picking and help make Southampton cleaner. Race against the clock to collect and sort rubbish, working as a team to protect the city’s streets, parks and waterways. It’s fun, fast-paced and proves that small actions can make a big difference.