Celebrating a record-breaking year at Science in the Park 2025

Science in the Park 2025 was nothing short of spectacular, with more exhibitors and visitors than ever before! This year’s festival, held at the stunning Wollaton Hall, saw 4,000 eager attendees explore a vast range of hands-on activities. Families and science enthusiasts alike were captivated by interactive exhibits that covered everything from cutting-edge brain-scanning technology to the fascinating DNA origins of George the gorilla.

The demand for the event was unprecedented, with tickets selling out in just 48 hours. And for the first time, exhibits expanded to the upper floors of the hall, allowing for even more exciting exhibits and activities. Without a doubt, the lively atmosphere, packed with visitors of different ages, set a new benchmark for future editions of this event.

A day of discovery with exciting and interacting exhibits

One of the major highlights this year was the incredible range of interactive exhibits from University of Nottingham Scientists and Engineers, each offering visitors a hands-on experience that made science come to life. Visitors had the opportunity to explore forensic analysis by matching fingerprints under specialised lighting. Scientists captivated attendees with microscopic views of George the gorilla’s hairs, revealing fascinating insights into his origins. Visitors also had the chance to extract DNA from strawberries using simple household items!

Other exciting experiences include programming and building robots with the Cobot Maker Space team, testing disease detection techniques in biomedical science labs, and even fishing for “poo germs” to dive deeper into microbiology. Whether investigating human anatomy through mannequin surgeries or crafting edible cell models, each exhibit made complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for all ages.

Meet our volunteers: The heart and soul of the festival

Behind every successful Science in the Park event is a dedicated team of volunteers who make it all possible. This year, volunteers from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University came together to guide visitors through exhibits and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. Many volunteers were passionate scientists eager to share their expertise, while others simply had a love for education and outreach.

Whether helping children build microbes from plasticine or assisting with hands-on DNA extraction, the volunteers played a crucial role in making the event engaging and informative. Their hard work and dedication were evident in every corner of the festival, proving that behind every great event is an even greater team.

Looking ahead to 2026

As Science in the Park continues to grow, so does its impact—igniting curiosity, sparking conversations, and bringing people of all ages closer to the wonders of science. Each year, new discoveries and innovations shape the event, and 2026 promises to be no different. With fresh ideas, even more interactive exhibits, and exciting breakthroughs on the horizon, next year’s festival will push the boundaries of exploration and engagement.

Whether you’re a returning visitor or joining for the first time, Science in the Park 2026 will be an experience not to be missed. In the meantime, enjoy more picture moments!