We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to
3 – 8 June 2025
Get ready for Cheltenham Science Festival 2025, full of shows, workshops and free activities for you and your students to explore.
Learn how to be a champion with Paralympic gold medallist Grace Harvey, join Russell Arnott for a live on-stage dissection, take a look inside your body with Punam Krishan and much more. Enjoy spectacular shows, get hands-on in our class-sized workshops and step into our four Interactive Zones on the Festival site. Ignite your
for everyone. Take the stress out of organising your visit by booking one of our day packages (info at the end of each Key Stage).
We can’t wait to welcome you in June.
Curriculum topics covered in this event Workshop events
This event is British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted. All our shows (excluding workshops) are auto generated live captioned
Maximise Your Day
Get access to one of our Interactive Zones as part of your Festival visit by booking onto one of our ticketed shows or workshops.
MakerShack
Explore the material world, bring your imagination and invent your own creations in MakerShack. A place where we celebrate all things materials and making. Hone your crafting skills with expert makers, crafters, scientists and engineers. Watch as art and STEM collide to inspire the next generation of scientists.
DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am – 3pm
The Arcade
Get your game face on and put your skills to the test in The Arcade. Challenge your friends to a fun game in our two-player challenges; make, break and create with our gaming experts and discover how you can be a changemaker in cyber.
DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am – 3pm
The Flight Deck
GE Aerospace
From Power Systems, to Avionics, to engines – how is Aircraft technology changing the world? Join GE Aerospace for an exciting journey through engineering and science, with interactive exhibits, activities and challenges. Complete every activity and help inspire the future of sustainability. For groups of up to 35 pupils.
DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am – 3pm
Discover Zone
Immerse yourself in a world of fun and interactive science in the Discover Zone. Journey through and get hands on with science, quiz scientists on their cuttingedge research and uncover how you can become a future Changemaker. Who knows what you might discover...
DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am – 3pm
How to Book
These are only available with a paid event and subject to availability. Select your preferred Interactive Zone on the booking form.
Complete Your Booking Here
Booking opens at 8am on Tuesday 28 January 2025
Enjoy any time during your visit...
Waterstones
With books covering everything from black holes to nanobots, magnets to velociraptors, head to Waterstones’ special pop-up bookshop. Meet your favourite authors and get your books signed, browse the bookshelves for captivating stories and discover a wonderful range of books.
Science Trail
Follow the Science Trail around Imperial Gardens to discover more about the world of STEM, while exploring the Festival Village. What other spectacular science will you uncover along the way?
Key Stage 1
Cloud Club
Helix Theatre
£7.50 per pupil
Have you ever touched a cloud that smells like a strawberry? Join science presenter Sarah Bearchell at The Cloud Club to explore all of your senses and learn about the science of dry ice clouds and how they are created.
Everyday materials, States of matter, Working scientifically, Communication and language
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
10 – 11am S006
We Are All Inventors
Helix Theatre
£7.50 per pupil
Unleash your imagination and learn all about inventing in this fact-packed event with author Kate Pankhurst . Learn about the history of inventions and the people behind them. Dress-up, draw along and get involved in this story of adventure that will inspire and entertain the next generation of curious creators.
Understanding the World, Everyday materials, Working scientifically, Historical figures
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
10 – 11am S002 12 – 1pm S003
Can You Get Music on the Moon?
Helix Theatre
£7.50 per pupil
Did you know that sound travels faster underwater? Or that astronauts have played musical instruments in space?
Join Sheila Kanani on a fascinating exploration of the world of sound and space science. Discover how we hear sound, what makes thunder and lightning and what sound might be like on other planets. And yes, you’ll even find out whether it’s possible to get music on the Moon!
Understanding the World, Sound, States of matter, Working scientifically
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
10 – 11am S029 12 – 1pm S030
Mini Makers
Squish, squash and squeeze different materials to learn more about them. Enjoy our dedicated Key Stage 1 Mini Makers slots in Makershack or the Discover Zone to explore and experiment with all sorts of exciting stuff.
You and Your Body
Helix Theatre
£7.50 per pupil
Learn all about the human body with doctor and BBC star Punam Krishan. Discover the maze that is your brain, the power of your muscles and the magic behind your gut – and how they are all connected. Children will go on a headto-toe tour of the human body in this marvellous medical show.
Animals incl humans, Mental and physical benefits of healthy lifestyle, Understanding the World.
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
10 – 11am S010 12 – 1pm S011
Do Bears Poo in the Woods?
Town Hall, Pillar Room
£7.50 per pupil
Are wolves afraid of the dark? Do penguins like the cold? Follow Huw Lewis-Jones on an adventure across the globe as you explore the wonderful world of animals and their habitats. This show will be packed with animal facts and grizzly giggles!
Living things and habitats; Animals including humans, Understanding the World
Includes: one show and hands-on activities in Makershack or Discover Zone (see p2 for full details)
Package 1 Tuesday 3 June
1. Cloud Club 10–11am
2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 12 and 2pm
Package 2 Wednesday 4 June
1. We Are All Inventors 10–11am
2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 10am and 1pm
Package 3 Wednesday 4 June
1. We Are All Inventors 12–1pm
2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 10am and 1pm
Package 4
Thursday 5 June
1. Can you Get Music on the Moon? 10–11am
2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 10am and 1pm
Package 5
Thursday 5 June
1. Can you Get Music on the Moon? 12–1pm 2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 10am and 1pm
Package 6 Friday 6 June
1. Do Bears Poo in the Woods? 11am–12pm 2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 10am and 1pm
Package 7 Friday 6 June
1. Do Bears Poo in the Woods? 1–2pm
2. Access to the Discover Zone 1 hour between 11am and 2pm
Package 8 Friday 6 June
1. You and Your Body 10–11am
2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 10am and 1pm
Package 9 Friday 6 June
1. You and Your Body 12–1pm
2. Access to the Discover Zone 1 hour between or MakerShack 11am and 2pm
Complete Your Booking Here
Booking opens at 8am on Tuesday 28 January 2025
Key Stage 2
Tuesday 3 June
Adventures in Cyberland
Regency Suite, Queens Hotel
£8.50 per pupil
Dive into the world of cyber technology with Lockheed Martin. Solve fun challenges, decode hidden messages and write basic software. In this interactive workshop, uncover what roles science, technology, engineering and maths play in computer science.
On your marks, get set, go... with Paralympic champion Grace Harvey and performance scientist Steve Ingham. Discover the physical and mental challenges of being an athlete and the science of how to become a champion. Find out what it feels like to win gold and learn how everyone can enjoy sport. Chaired by TV presenter Maddie Moate.
Animals incl. humans, Forces, Mental and physical wellbeing, Healthy living
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am – 12pm S004
Enormous Animals 3D Show
Parabola Arts Centre
£7.50 per pupil
Don some 3D glasses and embark on a thrilling journey through the wild world of Earth’s biggest beasts! From towering dinosaurs to colossal whales, discover how these incredible organisms evolved, survived and thrived at the extremes of size. Hosted by zoologist Jules Howard, this action-packed show will explore the astonishing adaptations that allow megafauna to grow so large and survive in harsh environments. Expect jawdropping 3D visuals and interactive fun.
Living things, Animals inc. humans, Rocks
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am – 12pm S025
The Great Alien Hunt
Parabola Arts Centre
£7.50 per pupil
What are the chances that alien life exists? What could they look like? Discover the answers to these questions and many more with Matthew Bothwell , author of Astrophysics for Supervillains. Find out how searching for extraterrestrial life and planets are linked, all the weird and wonderful ways scientists think we (might) be able to travel around space and whether we are alone in the Universe.
Earth and space, Living things and habitats
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1 – 2pm S019
Wednesday 4 June
Don’t Squish a Slug
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per pupil
Join TV presenter Yussef Rafik and discover what superpowers our minibeast friends have in this interactive show. Learn about different bug noises, mighty creepy-crawly strength and how some bugs light up their bums! The only question is – will you be brave enough to hold a giant hissing cockroach?
Living things and habitats, Animals incl. humans, Thinking scientifically
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am – 12pm S020
Expedition
Galápagos
Parabola Arts Centre
£7.50 per pupil
What are the chances that alien life exists?
What could they look like?
The Great Alien Hunt
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean lies a group of islands unlike any other — the Galápagos archipelago. Join marine biologist Helen Scales and the scientists tasked with studying and protecting the species on the island, to learn more about how they make new discoveries. You’ll find out how to count penguins, listen to whale sounds and launch a deep-diving submersible to explore underwater wonders.
Animals incl humans, Living things and other habitats, Thinking scientifically
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1 – 2pm S032
Rude Science
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per pupil
Find out everything you ever needed to know about pee, farts, bogies, scabs and vomit with Stefen Gates’ explosive show, Rude Science. Stefan brings the rudest bits of science to life with stunts, rockets, snot cocktails and enormous bottoms. Yes, you read that right!
States of matter, Sound, Animals incl. humans
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
11am – 12pm S031
Amazing Animal Bodies
Parabola Arts Centre
£7.50 per pupil
Delve beneath the fur, feather and scales of the world’s most extraordinary animals with author and vet Jess French, to learn how animals’ bodies work from the inside out. Discover how birds can fly and what makes frogs slimy as you explore the organs and whole body systems that help animals to survive, thrive and reproduce in the trickiest of environments.
Animals incl. humans, Living things and habitats, Adaptation, Thinking scientifically
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
1 – 2pm S012
Challenge the Engineers
Regency Suite, Queens Hotel
£8.50 per pupil
Join Dyson engineers to build and race your own balloon car. Learn more about forces, air resistance and why failure is an important part of the design process. Whose car will be the fastest?
Forces, Teamwork, Properties of materials
25-35 pupils per workshop
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
10 – 11am S048
11.15am – 12.15pm S049
12.45 – 1.45pm S050
2 – 3pm S051
Supported by the James Dyson Foundation
Extreme Climates
Parabola Arts Centre
£7.50 per pupil
Prepare for a storm-chasing adventure as you explore the extremes of our planet with climate scientist and TV presenter, Mark Langtry. Harness hurricanes and twist tornados as you investigate our changing climate. This high-energy show will make you feel powerful about your future and inspire you to make a positive impact on our world.
Living things and habitats, States of matter, Properties of materials, Earth and space, Forces
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10 – 11am S008
Glow with the Flow
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per pupil
Shed light on the world of glowing organisms with marine biologist Russell Arnott and vet Jess French. From the twinkling light of fireflies to the eerie glow of deep-sea anglerfish, join us and uncover the secrets of bioluminescent wonders across the animal kingdom. Don’t miss out on this demo-packed stage show that will leave you beaming with curiosity and glowing with excitement!
Animals including humans, Living things and habitats, Evolution and inheritence, Light
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am – 12pm S014
How to Build a Rocket
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per pupil
Join TV engineer and author, Fran Scott , on this crash course in rocket science. Through fire, forces and fun-filled demonstrations, learn exactly what it takes to get rockets off the ground and into space. Buckle up for this light-hearted Engineering adventure that will take you to the moon.
Sound, Earth and space, Forces
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1 – 2pm S033
We feel incredibly lucky to have the Festival on our doorstep, it is always a fantastic experience for both the younger and older children.
Teacher
Key Stage 2 Day Planner
Discover More Our Discover Zone is the perfect place for curious minds. Quiz experts across all scientific fields, including engineering, tech, nature, and the environment.
See page 2 for full details on all our Interactive Zones
How to Book
1. Choose your session(s)
2. Select your preferred Interactive Zone (subject to availability) - MakerShack - The Arcade - The Flight Deck - Discover Zone
(see p2 for full details)
Complete Your Booking Here
Booking opens at 8am on Tuesday 28 January 2025
Key Stage 3
Challenge the Engineers
Town Hall, Pillar Room
£8.50 per pupil
How long can you keep a marble off the ground for? Join Dyson engineers and build your own marble run with items from their scrap store. Use their engineering knowledge and your creativity to build the ultimate marble run. Which team will be crowned champion?
Forces, Teamwork, Properties of materials
25-35 pupils per workshop
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
10 – 11am S052
11.15am – 12.15pm S053 12.45 – 1.45pm S054
2 – 3pm S055
Supported by the James Dyson Foundation
Becoming a Champion
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per pupil
On your marks, get set, go... with Paralympic champion Grace Harvey and performance scientist Steve Ingham Discover the physical and mental challenges of being an athlete and the science of how to become a champion. Find out what it feels like to win gold and learn how everyone can enjoy sport.
Chaired by TV presenter Maddie Moate
Motion and forces, Genetics and evolution, Mental and physical wellbeing, Healthy eating
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
1 – 2pm S005
Rocket Car Racing
Regency Suite, Queens Hotel
£8.50 per pupil
Put energy, motion and forces into action, to see who can build the fastest rocket car. Work with the Bloodhound team to design, build and race your own rocket car, using your creativity and the knowledge of the team behind the 1,000mph land speed record car. You’ll test your cars and make some final modifications, before seeing whose car is the fastest.
Properties and changes of materials, Motion and forces, Thinking scientifically 25-35 pupils per workshop
Explore the science of language, technology and all things AI with GCHQ in this never-seen-before show. Which form of intelligence can best keep the UK safe: artificial or human? How does language technology work and is it useful for spying? Discover the answer to these questions and more as we learn all about communication and the future of technology.
Prepare for a storm chasing adventure as you explore the extremes of our planet with climate scientist and TV presenter, Mark Langtry. Harness hurricanes and twist tornados as you investigate our changing climate. This high energy show will make you feel powerful about your future and inspire you to make a positive impact on our world.
Living things and habitats, States of matter, Properties of materials, Earth and space, Forces
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am – 12pm S009
Mysterious Materials
Town Hall, Pillar Room
£8.50 per pupil
Everything is made of something, but how can different materials be used to solve real-life global challenges? Delve deeper with scientists from Discover Materials to examine how different materials behave, before using your new-found knowledge to solve the puzzle and crack the code in this activity-filled workshop.
Materials, Matter, Atoms and elements, Problem solving 25-35 pupils per workshop
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10 – 11am S044
11.15am – 12.15pm
Digital Detectives
Regency Suite, Queens Hotel
£8.50 per pupil
Could you be a master coder?
When someone moves through cyberspace, they leave a trail of information ‘breadcrumbs’ for others to find and use. But what if that person is up to no good? Can you stop them? Put your digital detective hat on with the Lockheed Martin team to learn all about cyber security and predict their next move.
Computer science, Coding, Data, Physics
25-35 pupils per workshop
SESSION
Supported by Lockheed Martin
Empowering young people to tell the stories they care about through data
Register in summer 2025 or talk to our team to find out more education@cheltenhamfestivals.org
Fish Inside Out
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per pupil
Discover the world of marine life and conservation with a live dissection on stage in this extraordinary show. Get a close-up view beneath the scales with marine biologist Russell Arnott and his expert commentary. See how fish breathe, eat, swim and survive in this live demonstration and gain a valuable insight into marine life.
Interactions and interdependencies (ecosystems), Genetics and evolution, Structure and function of living organisms SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1
How to Book
You can book either of the following:
Option 1. Book individual shows from £7.50 per pupil/child
Option 2. Book a day package: £16 per pupil/child. (Capacity 25-35 pupils for KS3 packages)
Includes: one show, one workshop and a session in one of our Interactive Zones (see p2 for full details)
Package 1 S052
1. Challenge the Engineers 10–11am
2. Access to The Arcade 11am–12pm
3. Becoming a Champion 1–2pm
Package 2 S053
1. Challenging 11.15am–12.15pm the Engineers
2. Becoming a Champion 1–2pm
3. Access to The Arcade 2–3pm
Package 3 S055
1. Access to the 12–1pm Discover Zone
2. Becoming a Champion 1–2pm
3. Challenge the Engineers 2–3pm
Package 4 S056
1. Rocket Car Racing 10–11am
2. Access to the 11am–12pm Discover Zone
3. Language, 1–2pm Technology and Spies
Package 5 S057
1. Rocket 11.15am–12.15pm Car Racing
2. Language, 1–2pm Technology and Spies
3. Access to The Arcade 2–3pm Package 6 S059
1. Access to The Arcade 12–1pm
2. Language, 1–2pm Technology and Spies
3. Rocket Car Racing 2–3pm Package 7 S044
1. Mysterious Materials 10–11am
2. Access to the 11am–12pm Discover Zone
3. Fish Inside Out 1–2pm
Package 8 S045
1. Access to The Arcade 10–11am
2. Mysterious 11.15am–12.15pm Materials
3. Fish Inside Out 1–2pm
Package 9 S047
1. Access to The Arcade 11am–12pm
2. Fish Inside Out 1–2pm
3. Mysterious Materials 2–3pm
Package 10 S041
1. Access to The Arcade 10–11am
2. Digital 11.15am–12.15pm Detectives
3. Fish Inside Out 1–2pm
Package 11 S040
1. Digital Detectives 10–11am
2. Climate Extremes 11am–12pm
3. Access to The Arcade 12–1pm Package 12 S042
1. Access to the 10–11am Discover Zone
2. Climate Extremes 11am–12pm
3. Digital Detectives 12.45–1.45pm Package 13 S043
1. Climate Extremes 11am–12pm
2. Access to The Arcade 12–1pm
3. Digital Detectives 2–3pm
Inspiring the next generation of science communicators
FameLab applications open in summer 2025. Talk to our team to find out more about the project education@cheltenhamfestivals.org
Complete Your Booking Here
Booking opens at 8am on Tuesday 28 January 2025
Package 14 S046
1. Access to the 10–11am Discover Zone
2. Climate Extremes 11am–12pm
2. Mysterious 12.45–1.45pm Materials
Key Stage 3 Day Planner
Discover More
Book your slot in one of our Interactive Zones, the perfect place for curious minds. Quiz experts across all scientific fields, including engineering, tech, nature and the environment.
See page 2 for full details on all our Interactive Zones
Key Stage 4
Discover Your Future
Town Hall, Pillar Room
£7.50 per pupil
What are the jobs of tomorrow? Career opportunities in cybertech, engineering, mental health, genomics and STEM are out there and ready for you to explore.
Join our exciting in-conversation event chaired by podcaster and media creator Gaby Mendes. Discover careers with our inspirational speakers from a range of STEM industries.
Explore The Arcade after your event for a career-focused session. What will spark your curiosity?
Supported by Discover Materials, L3 Harris and Mira Showers Your Chance to Win in our Year 9 Sustainability Challenge
This was truly inspiring ...all our pupils were talking about their next steps. Brilliant career pathway event.
Teacher, Gloucestershire Complete Your Booking Here
Booking opens at 8am on Tuesday 28 January 2025
Enter the exciting world of a STEAM apprenticeship with Mira Showers
Take part in an exciting sustainability competition. The top three teams selected from the pool of entrants will present their ideas at Cheltenham Science Festival 2025. Open to local schools. Email earlycareers@mirashowers.com by Friday 21 February for details and to register your interest.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, grow and win prizes for yourself and rewards for your school!
We’ll be sharing everything you need to know about our award-winning Early Careers Programme and how we’re inspiring the next generation of talent. With us, you’ll experience much more than a job. Our programme aims to go beyond the training you need to succeed in your role. Follow our @LifeatMira Instagram account to get a taste for what life at Mira has to offer.
SEND Schools
Cloud Factory
Helix Theatre
£6 per pupil. SEND Have you ever touched a cloud that smells like a strawberry? Join science presenter Sarah Bearchell at The Cloud Club to explore all your senses as we learn about the science of dry ice clouds and how they are created. This show has been adapted for SEND audiences.
Everyday materials, States of matter, Working scientifically, Communication and language
SEND providers are welcome to book onto any event in the programme
How to Book
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for
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We’re committed to providing the best service possible for schools and pupils with access requirements including:
✓ Access to our Learning and Participation team for support before and during your visit
✓ British Sign Language at specific school events
✓ Wheelchair accessible venues on site including Cheltenham Town Hall
✓ A social story sent to schools/HE of our Science Festival site
✓ SEND specific events for Special Educational school settings
Buckle up for this light-hearted engineering adventure that will take you to the moon
How To Build A Rocket
Parabola Arts Centre
£7.50 per child. Age 7–11
See p8 for full details
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10 – 11am S008
Glow with the Flow
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per child. Age 7–11
See p8 for full details
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am – 12pm S014
How to Build a Rocket
Town Hall, Main Stage
£7.50 per child. Age 7–11
See p8 for full details
SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE
1 – 2pm S033
How to book
1. Book your show or workshop
2. Book your session in one of our free hands-on Interactive Zones:
- MakerShack
- The Arcade
- The Flight Deck
- Discover Zone
(see p2 for full details)
Discover More
Our Discover Zone is the perfect place for curious minds. Quiz experts across all scientific fields, including engineering, tech, nature, and the environment.
See page 2 for full details on all our Interactive Zones
Complete Your Booking Here
Booking opens at 8am on Tuesday 28 January 2025
FAQS How to Book
Booking opens at 8am on Tuesday 28 January 2025
From 8am you can access the booking form where you can select your preferred choices.
Prices
Show: £7.50 per pupil/child
Workshop: £8.50 per pupil/child
KS3 Package: £16 per pupil/child
KS4 Career Event: £7.50 per pupil/child
SEND Event: £6 per pupil/child
Interactive Zones: One FREE session when booked along with one of our ticketed shows or workshops.
A £5 booking fee for schools and £3 booking fee for Home Educators will be added to the total cost of your order.
Tickets for teachers and accompanying adults are free of charge according to the ratio of staff:pupil for your key stage.
Complete your booking using the forms linked below:
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 SEND Home Educators
Discover more events at the Festival Full programme announcement Wednesday 1 April
What happens next?
1. We will review your booking form and will be in touch to discuss alternative options if any of your choices are unavailable.
2. You will receive a formal booking confirmation via email. Due to demand, please allow up to five working days for your booking confirmation.
3. Please notify us of changes to your numbers as a result of fluctuations in class size by Tuesday 8 April and we will do our best to accommodate these changes. You can find more information about our cancellation policy on our website.
4. Your school finance office will receive an invoice by Wednesday 30 April. It is important that this is paid before you attend the Festival.
5. You will receive a ticket document, a site map and an information document with important details about your visit. Please ensure that every accompanying adult has a copy of these documents when attending.
Is there a bookable lunch space?
We can offer a 30-minute lunch slot in the covered picnic area in the Festival Village for a limited number of pupils. Please request a reservation on your booking form and we will accommodate as many groups as we can.
How do we get to the Festival?
The Festival is held on Imperial Gardens near Cheltenham Town Centre.
Full details about arriving, parking, getting to venues and more can be found on our venue page.
Where can I find advice for preparing a risk assessment?
All venues and events are carefully risk assessed. For advice on preparing your own risk assessment for your visit, and information about our cancellation policy visit our website.
How do we get in touch?
Contact a member of the Learning and Participation Team.
With thanks to Renishaw who have kindly provided us with a SEND School bursary, covering the costs for three attending schools.
