All aboard for science: Celebrate Science 2025 arrives at Locomotion
- kelseygarbutt
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Durham University’s free family science festival, Celebrate Science, is back this October half term – and it is pulling into a new location.
For the first time the festival will take place at Locomotion railway museum in Shildon, part of the Science Museum Group.
Families are invited for two days of science-filled fun on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October 2025, from 10am – 4pm. Entry is free, but tickets are required and can be booked via the Locomotion website at www.locomotion.org.uk/whats-on/celebrate-science.
Celebrate Science is an inclusive, interactive and inspiring event that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to boost culture, inspire creativity and encourage participation, through celebrating science together.
From exploring the wonders of space in the planetarium to experiments with wind turbines, volcanoes, and the human body, the festival combines discovery with creativity.
Families can enjoy interactive exhibits, engaging demonstrations, and fun activities led by scientists and students, making it a celebration of curiosity, imagination, and the power of science.
The event will also showcase the enthusiasm of Science Ambassadors from local schools, who will amaze visitors with activities such as testing paper rockets, exploring static electricity, and creating model planets.
Celebrate Science will look at big questions and uncover amazing answers: Why does it go dark at night? How big is the Universe? What can our senses tell us about the world? And how can we take better care of ourselves and our planet?
Durham University is the UK’s University of the Year 2026 according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide. This is the 14th year it has run Celebrate Science, bringing hands-on science experiments and experiences to thousands of the North East’s schoolchildren.
Paula Street, Durham University’s Science Engagement Coordinator said: “Celebrate Science is a wonderful event, with a buzzing atmosphere, bringing people together to explore practical activities, share ideas, and inspire creativity.”
Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion said: “We are thrilled to be hosting Celebrate Science at Locomotion this year. This great event not only allows young people in the region to learn and engage with science in a fun way, but it also enables the museum to offer activities that will inspire the next generation.”
Celebrate Science 2025 is made possible through the valued contributions of our partners. Durham University is grateful for the support of Locomotion, Beamish Museum, the Institute of Physics, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, the North Pennines National Landscape, Orsted, Livin, the ESRC Festival of Social Science and the Reece Foundation.
Their expertise and enthusiasm help bring science to life for thousands of visitors, ensuring the festival continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and discovery across our community.
