• Swindon & Wiltshire Culture
• Friday December 19 2025

Swindon businesses join forces to give children a glimpse of Living in the Future

Swindon businesses and organisations are joining forces with the town’s popular Festival of Tomorrow to give children – and adults – a glimpse of Life in the Future.

The week-long festival will return to Swindon in February, supported by UK Research and Innovation, which is based in the town, Business West, Science Museum Group Science and Innovation Park, and Arts Council England.

The popular event will feature an action-packed array of live shows, free live demonstrations, creative activities and fun challenges from organisations including the James Dyson Foundation, Catalent, UKRI and many leading universities.

Spectacular performances, thought-provoking discussions, immersive art experiences, and hands-on workshops are promised over the Spring half term holiday, culminating in a two-day Finale Extravaganza on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21.

Steam Museum is to host not one, but two unmissable immersive experiences – both exploring the inner workings of the human brain.

State of Mind is billed as an entrancing walkthrough audiovisual experience developed by creative studio Squid Soup in collaboration with neuroscientist Professor Adrian Owen to playfully explore the effects of today’s digitised world on the workings of our mind.

Or step into the heart of Network – a beautifully illuminated giant network of neurons, to experience a spellbinding fusion of light and sound symbolising the travel of impulses along neural pathways.

Both experiences will be free to visit from Saturday, February 14 to Saturday, February 21.

Festival Director, Dr Roderick Hebden, said: “This year’s theme of Living In The Future invites everyone to re-imagine how we will live, work and play in the world of tomorrow, and we’re really hoping to stimulate some debate and ideas from everyone who takes part.

“People can once again expect some new visually stunning exhibits, and a wide range of activities for all age groups and interests.

“We’re also introducing some brand new venues and exciting new partnerships which will take the festival to another level.”