Giving science fans a chance to have their minds blown by the world's brightest scientists, authors and activists, Cheltenham Science Festival is back this June 2026.
With over 100 events on the programme, whether you're interested in how AI is shaping modern life, or the science behind the perfect pizza, there's bound to be something that sparks your curiousity.
When is Cheltenham Science Festival 2026?
Cheltenham Science Festival takes over Imperial Gardens from Tuesday 2 to Sunday 7 June 2026, with multiple interactive zones across the festival site, including MakerShack, The Arcade and Discover Zone.
Who's on the lineup at Cheltenham Science Festival 2026?
Some of the biggest names on this year's lineup include Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales, who joins David Runciman for special live episode of the 'Past Present Future' podcast; Great British Bake Off star, Josh Smalley; Dragon's Den judge, Deborah Meaden; archaeologist and TV presenter, Alice Roberts; author and leading AI expert, Richard Susskind; psychology lecturer, author and broadcaster, Claudia Hammond; forensic scientist, Angela Gallop; neuroscientist and Pentagon adviser, Nicholas Wright; former GCHQ director, David Omand; psychologist and 'Bad People' podcast host, Julia Shaw; footballer-turned-physicist Mark the Science Guy; and children's poet, Simon Mole.
There's a special murder mystery event marking 50 years since Agathe Christie's death, where audiences are invited to test their detective instincts with author Antony Johnston and mortician Carla Valentine.
The youth-focused VOICEBOX initiative takes over the Jetstream stage with a lineup of talks, poetry, music and quizzes.
This year also sees the festival's science communication competition for schools, FameLab Academy, expand, championing the most promising emerging science communicators, as well as celebrating alumni including BBC The Sky at Night presenter, Maggie Aderin and CBBC Operation Ouch presenter, Daniel Olaiya.
How to get tickets for Cheltenham Science Festival 2026?
Tickets for Cheltenham Science Festival are on general sale from Wednesday 22 April 2026 via the Cheltenham Festivals website.
