Make a date with discovery as free FUTURES Festival comes to Exeter this October
This autumn, Exeter will once again become a playground for curious minds as FUTURES – a festival of discovery – returns with a weekend of wonder. Taking place on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October, visitors can dive into hands-on science, explore cutting-edge research, and discover the extraordinary work happening right on their doorstep at the University of Exeter.
The weekend builds on the success of previous FUTURES events, but with more to do than ever before, and an exciting new format. This year's festival takes place at Exeter Phoenix, the city centre's multi-artform venue. All events are completely FREE and form part of the South West FUTURES programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The packed programme showcases world-class research in ways that are fun, accessible, and inspiring for all ages. It will cover a vast variety of topics, from tiny viruses that fight superbugs and the mysteries of the human brain, to the enthralling secret lives of plants and climate-fighting technology – there's something to spark every imagination. And join a screening and Q&A of a groundbreaking new climate change documentary, created by a University of Exeter academic.
What's in store:
Workshops & Performances
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October at Exeter Phoenix
Creative Writing Workshop – book here
Seed packing workshop – book here
Stories and songs performance – book here
Discover Ukrainian wartime poetry in a thought-provoking creative writing workshop with Professor Hugh Roberts, or mix and pack your own seed packet with Exeter Seed Bank. There's even a performance where composer Chris Hoban transforms Dr Laura Sangha's research into 25,000 historic wills into music.
Walking Tours
Saturday 11th October, various locations
12pm - 1pm. Sensing Exeter's Air Quality – A Bird's View. Book here
1.30pm - 2.30pm. Monitoring Invasive Asian Hornets: From Human Eyes to AI. Book here
2pm - 3pm. Sensing Exeter's Air Quality – A Bird's View. Book here
2pm - 3pm. Out in Nature: A queer nature trail (University of Exeter Queen's Building). Book here
Hit the streets with researchers for the ultimate science adventure. Join expert-led walking tours tracking invasive Asian hornets using AI, monitor air quality while spotting street art of birds, and explore nature through a queer lens. These immersive walking tours bring research to life, taking participants to the places where research and the public intersect.
Pop-Up Curiosity Shop
Sunday 12th October, 11am-3pm at Exeter Phoenix
The FUTURES Pop-Up Curiosity Shop invites visitors to let their imaginations run wild and embrace extraordinary new ideas! The shop welcomes learners of any age to immerse themselves in interactive activities – just drop in, it's completely free with no need to book.
Step into a world of wonder where over 20 interactive stalls await. Watch bacteria-munching viruses in action, extract DNA from strawberries, learn to spot fake news, discover how light can fight disease, and explore virtual reality bird flight. Meet researchers investigating everything from Tudor women's working lives to the building blocks of the brain. Plus, test your teamwork skills in "Be a Fish, a Rhino, a Pelican" – an inclusive adventure game where no one gets left behind!
Climate Film Screening
Sunday 12th October, 12:15 - 1:30pm at Exeter Phoenix
Don't miss renowned climate scientist Professor James Dyke's specially created film exploring our changing planet – a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the climate challenge. 'System Update: Reboot Our Future' is a bold new documentary film exploring how we can meet the climate crisis head-on.
Join Professor Dyke from the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute for an exclusive screening and Q&A, and watch as he brings together world-leading experts and change-makers to look at how transformative shifts in politics, economics, and society can protect people from climate catastrophe. Book a free ticket here.
FUTURES is an opportunity to find out more about the innovative and world-class research taking place at universities in Bath, Bristol, Devon, Cornwall, and online. Visit www.futuresnight.co.uk
