Everything You Need to Know About: Discover Festival
Spark your curiosity with Newcastle’s free festival of exploration, entertainment and community
This June, Newcastle University is set to be transformed into a hub of curiosity and creativity as the first-ever Discover Festival takes over the campus.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about science, engineering, nature and culture, then now’s your chance as the festival brings a jam-packed programme of fun and interactive activities for attendees of all ages to enjoy. The best part? It’s all free too!
Read on for everything you need to know about Discover Festival and don’t miss out on this day of curiosity, creativity and community!
What is Discover Festival?
It’s a free and family-friendly day-long event hosted by Newcastle University that they describe as “a celebration of curiosity and creativity” that’s designed to inspire learning, idea-sharing and connections with the university community.
There’s a jam-packed programme of hands-on demonstrations, interactive activities and performances happening throughout the day covering subjects ranging from engineering and poetry to chemistry and theatre – but don’t think it’s just for kids and families! Everyone is welcome at Discover Festival, and we’re sure that grown-ups will learn a thing or two as well!
When is it happening?
Discover Festival is taking place on Saturday 7th June 2025 between 10am and 4pm – put the date in your diary!
Where is it happening?
It’s happening at various locations across the Newcastle University campus – some indoors and some outside – with a select few taking place at the neighbouring Great North Museum: Hancock.
There’ll be a Welcome Trailer in place on the campus where attendees can pick up a handy programme map to help find their way around the festival.
What activities will there be?
With over 70 activities happening on the day, there’s something to suit all ages and interests.
Attendees can unleash their inner artist in a comic strip draw-a-long workshop with a local comic artist, take a musical journey around the world with the university’s multilingual choir, build and race a Lego robot, learn basic Japanese and discover local insects, nature and wildlife – and that’s just skimming the surface!
Check out the full Discover Festival programme – including details, times and locations of all activities – by visiting www.ncl.ac.uk/discover-fest/whats-on.
Do I need to book tickets?
Most Discover Festival activities are drop-in based, though a handful do require booking. To find out which events need to be booked in advance, visit www.ncl.ac.uk/discover-fest but remember - all activities are completely free!
What’s the best way to get to the Newcastle University campus?
There are several multi-storey car parks within easy walking distance of the campus including those at Eldon Square, Eldon Gardens and Dean (all run by Newcastle City Council – check here for opening times and prices) and Q Park on Stowell Street.
However, as city centre car parks can get very busy, it’s recommended to use public transport to travel to Discover Festival where possible and Haymarket Metro is handily located just across the road from the campus.
Whether you fancy getting to grips with robotics, enjoying music performances, or learning more about the local environment, Discover Festival is the perfect opportunity – and all for free too, of course! What’s not to love?
Discover Festival takes place on Saturday 7th June 2025 from 10am to 4pm. For more information, visit www.ncl.ac.uk/discover-fest.
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