Look who is going us in 2026 on

The Curiosity Factory

with

Packed with hands-on experiments, creative challenges and eye-opening demos, The Curiosity Factory turns complex scientific ideas into exciting, practical discoveries, from chemistry and engineering to nature, oceans, space and the human body.

Your Host

Briony May Williams

After years of baking at home and cultivating her creativity and skill, Briony first came to the public’s attention as she launched onto our screens during nine stressful weeks in the tent on the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4.

Progressing through the competition to the semi-final, Briony’s humour and warmth, coupled with her resilience and ingenuity saw her become a firm favourite with the audience.

The Curiosity Factory Stage

X

Big ideas. Brilliant discoveries. Zero boring bits.

From mind-blowing science to fascinating facts, the Curiosity Factory Stage is where imagination runs wild. Expect surprising experiments, interactive moments and plenty of "did you know that?!" from some seriously brilliant minds.

Whether you're a budding scientist, a big thinker or just someone who loves learning something new, this is your stage. Drop in, get curious, and prepare to be amazed.

SMALL SEEDS. BIG ADVENTURES IN THE GARDEN OF MIND

X

Take a deep breath and discover a calmer kind of adventure in the Garden of Mind.

Step into a peaceful space where nature, creativity and wellbeing come together through fun, hands-on activities designed to help young minds grow. From planting seeds and exploring the wonders of the natural world to mindful crafts and sensory experiences, every activity encourages children to slow down, get curious and connect with nature.

Whether you're digging in the soil, creating something beautiful to take home or discovering how gardens can help both people and wildlife thrive, the Garden of Mind is a place to relax, learn and let your imagination bloom.

Come along, get your hands dirty and discover how even the smallest seed can grow into something amazing!

Explore the Oceans with Mares Aqua zone

X

Take a deep breath… and discover just how powerful your body can be! Join the freediving breathing sessions and learn the techniques real underwater explorers use, you might be amazed at how long you can hold your breath.

Then dive into the world of ocean adventure! Get hands-on with real equipment and find out how people explore beneath the surface as scuba divers, snorkelers, freediver, or even mermaids.

With SSI Explorers experiences for children aged 6+, it’s the perfect place for curious kids and future ocean adventurers to take their first steps into the underwater world.

Ready to dive in? 🌊

Listen to your heartbeat with Medical Mavericks

X

Ready to become a mini medic? Join the Medical Mavericks for a hands-on adventure into the human body! Use real medical kit to see inside yourself, print your heartbeat, and even take a peek inside your eye (don’t worry, it’s cool, not creepy!).

Have a go at keyhole surgery, test your skills on a practice arm, then dash through the Accelerator Tunnel to see if you’ve got what it takes to beat Usain Bolt. Oh, and yes, you’ll find out your very own horsepower too!

Curious minds, this one’s for you.

Help Sharks Thrive with The Shark Trust

X

Ready to dive into the world of sharks? Join the Shark Trust and discover just how incredible these ocean superstars really are!

From tiny sharks that fit in your hand to giants bigger than a bus, there are over 1,200 amazing species to explore, and they’ve been swimming our oceans for more than 400 million years.

Step into the action with an immersive 360° VR experience, uncover the secrets of sharks and rays, and learn why they’re so important to our planet. You’ll also find out the challenges they face, and how you can help protect them for the future.

Curious explorers, ocean lovers, and future protectors, your adventure starts here!

Silly Science Spectacular

X

Bangs, bubbles, chaos, and actual science. Promise.

Silly Science brings high-energy performances packed with explosive experiments, jaw-dropping demos and the kind of audience participation that'll have the whole family on their feet.

Expect outrageous reactions, plenty of laughs and egg-speriments you genuinely won't see coming.

Science has never been this much fun. Or this loud.

MR MEN LITTLE MISS SUPERPOWER PARTY

X

Join the Mr. Men Little Miss Superpower Party, hosted by MiniMe Mindfulness®!

A fun whole-family session where children aged 3+ and their grown-ups learn a real mindfulness and mindset Superpower to take home. Together we'll settle with breathwork, enjoy a child led guided meditation by MiniMe Mindfulness® and meet the Mr. Men Little Miss characters through story. We'll practise our Superpower with props and play, before ending on a high-energy party with Mr Tickle and friends. Big fun, real calm, and a Superpower to keep.

MR. MEN™ LITTLE MISS™ © THOIP (a Sanrio company). All rights reserved.

MiniMe Mindfulness® · part of the mindset mentors family

STEEL YOURSELF WITH ZACK GEORGE

X

Join Zack George, better known as STEEL from Gladiators, for a high-energy adventure packed with fun, movement and inspiration!

This exciting 45-minute interactive workshop gets kids thinking about how to fuel their bodies, stay active, drink plenty of water, grow their confidence and develop a positive mindset. With loads of audience participation, challenges and laughs along the way, Zack shows that living a healthy lifestyle can be fun, exciting and something everyone can enjoy.

Stick around afterwards for the chance to meet Zack, ask your questions and grab a photo with one of the UK's favourite Gladiators!

The Curiosity Factory Stage

X

Big ideas. Brilliant discoveries. Zero boring bits.

From mind-blowing science to fascinating facts, the Curiosity Factory Stage is where imagination runs wild. Expect surprising experiments, interactive moments and plenty of "did you know that?!" from some seriously brilliant minds.

Whether you're a budding scientist, a big thinker or just someone who loves learning something new, this is your stage. Drop in, get curious, and prepare to be amazed.

SMALL SEEDS. BIG ADVENTURES IN THE GARDEN OF MIND

X

Take a deep breath and discover a calmer kind of adventure in the Garden of Mind.

Step into a peaceful space where nature, creativity and wellbeing come together through fun, hands-on activities designed to help young minds grow. From planting seeds and exploring the wonders of the natural world to mindful crafts and sensory experiences, every activity encourages children to slow down, get curious and connect with nature.

Whether you're digging in the soil, creating something beautiful to take home or discovering how gardens can help both people and wildlife thrive, the Garden of Mind is a place to relax, learn and let your imagination bloom.

Come along, get your hands dirty and discover how even the smallest seed can grow into something amazing!

Explore the Oceans with Mares Aqua zone

X

Take a deep breath… and discover just how powerful your body can be! Join the freediving breathing sessions and learn the techniques real underwater explorers use, you might be amazed at how long you can hold your breath.

Then dive into the world of ocean adventure! Get hands-on with real equipment and find out how people explore beneath the surface as scuba divers, snorkelers, freediver, or even mermaids.

With SSI Explorers experiences for children aged 6+, it’s the perfect place for curious kids and future ocean adventurers to take their first steps into the underwater world.

Ready to dive in? 🌊

Listen to your heartbeat with Medical Mavericks

X

Ready to become a mini medic? Join the Medical Mavericks for a hands-on adventure into the human body! Use real medical kit to see inside yourself, print your heartbeat, and even take a peek inside your eye (don’t worry, it’s cool, not creepy!).

Have a go at keyhole surgery, test your skills on a practice arm, then dash through the Accelerator Tunnel to see if you’ve got what it takes to beat Usain Bolt. Oh, and yes, you’ll find out your very own horsepower too!

Curious minds, this one’s for you.

SILLY SCIENCE SPECTACULAR

X

Bangs, bubbles, chaos, and actual science. Promise.

Silly Science brings high-energy performances packed with explosive experiments, jaw-dropping demos and the kind of audience participation that'll have the whole family on their feet.

Expect outrageous reactions, plenty of laughs and egg-speriments you genuinely won't see coming.

Science has never been this much fun. Or this loud.

Help Sharks Thrive with The Shark Trust

X

Ready to dive into the world of sharks? Join the Shark Trust and discover just how incredible these ocean superstars really are!

From tiny sharks that fit in your hand to giants bigger than a bus, there are over 1,200 amazing species to explore, and they’ve been swimming our oceans for more than 400 million years.

Step into the action with an immersive 360° VR experience, uncover the secrets of sharks and rays, and learn why they’re so important to our planet. You’ll also find out the challenges they face, and how you can help protect them for the future.

Curious explorers, ocean lovers, and future protectors, your adventure starts here!

MR MEN LITTLE MISS SUPERPOWER PARTY

X

Join the Mr. Men Little Miss Superpower Party, hosted by MiniMe Mindfulness®!

A fun whole-family session where children aged 3+ and their grown-ups learn a real mindfulness and mindset Superpower to take home. Together we'll settle with breathwork, enjoy a child led guided meditation by MiniMe Mindfulness® and meet the Mr. Men Little Miss characters through story. We'll practise our Superpower with props and play, before ending on a high-energy party with Mr Tickle and friends. Big fun, real calm, and a Superpower to keep.

MR. MEN™ LITTLE MISS™ © THOIP (a Sanrio company). All rights reserved.

MiniMe Mindfulness® · part of the mindset mentors family

STEEL YOURSELF WITH ZACK GEORGE

X

Join Zack George, better known as STEEL from Gladiators, for a high-energy adventure packed with fun, movement and inspiration!

This exciting 45-minute interactive workshop gets kids thinking about how to fuel their bodies, stay active, drink plenty of water, grow their confidence and develop a positive mindset. With loads of audience participation, challenges and laughs along the way, Zack shows that living a healthy lifestyle can be fun, exciting and something everyone can enjoy.

Stick around afterwards for the chance to meet Zack, ask your questions and grab a photo with one of the UK's favourite Gladiators!

MORE TO EXPLORE…

OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS

OUR HEADLINE PARTNER

Feature Partners

Supporting Partners

CARFEST IS PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING UK CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

Our Regional Partners