Family-friendly event

Situated at the city-centre campus in the heart of Newcastle, the free, family-friendly event will serve up a range of activities for visitors of all ages and offer the chance to meet the experts at the forefront of their fields - from archaeologists to performers, scientists and engineers.

The festival seeks to encourage purposeful learning and will offer visitors an exciting first-hand glimpse of the innovative research being carried out by world-leading academics at Newcastle University.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place, Newcastle University, said: “Discover Festival is all about bringing communities together, showcasing the pioneering work that takes place right here in Newcastle, which makes a difference to lives both regionally and internationally. It will be an interactive day full of learning and fun, which we hope will inspire curiosity and spark new ideas for everybody there.”

More than 70 activities will be available on the day, such as Mind-Controlled Machines, where visitors will be able to learn how neural interfaces can control computers using thoughts or even turn brainwaves into music and Colourful Chemistry – an exploration of chemical reactions filled with whooshes and bangs.

Among the many other activities on the day will be the chance to Build and Code a Lego Robot, visitors will also be able to visit the Robo Rally racetrack where they can compete against an AI-controlled, self-driving car for the fastest lap time.

Dr Chris Holder, research lead for the Robo Rally activity, said: “Robo Rally is a great opportunity to inform our community of the vast changes AI is bringing to transportation globally. We hope that by experiencing the technology firsthand, we can help to address any fears about the safety of self-driving vehicles.

“At Discover Festival, we are giving members of the public the chance to test their racing skills against a self-driving race car. Visitors can compete against AI as it uses its sensors and algorithms to find the perfect racing line.”

Musical and stage performances

Visitors can unwind from the learning by immersing themselves in musical and stage performances throughout the day, including Sugarbugs live! – a fun and interactive musical all about the monsters that live in your mouth.

In the performance tent on Union Lawn, the Ladies of Midnight Blue will perform a mix of Afro-Latin beats with brass instruments, while in the King’s Hall, Newcastle alumnus Remy will perform a blend of soul, rock and pop. Also taking place in the King’s Hall, the Newcastle Youth Choir will be joined by Newcastle University’s New Vocal Ensemble for the ‘Everyone Can Sing!’ workshop and performance celebrating the magic of singing and making music.

Visitors will be able to relax by grabbing a coffee and cake from The Grand, our campus café, or explore the Food Festival at the Student Forum, next to the Students’ Union building, where a diverse and delicious offering from a range of local businesses will be available.

The Discover festival is free to attend and will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10am until 4pm on the main campus, with a performance tent on Union Lawn and activities in the new Stephenson Building, King’s Hall and in the University’s galleries and museums.

For most activities, visitors will be able to just drop in on the day, however a small number need to be booked in advance. To explore the festival programme and register your interest, visit the Discover Festival website.