The Big Bang Fair 2025 to take place next week

Next week, over 20,000 students from around the UK will attend The Big Bang Fair, the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people. From coding robots and playing drone football, to exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in dementia research and escape room style challenges on energy and food — students will get hands-on with a fantastic range of interactive STEM activities at the event.

Taking place from 17 to 19 June at the NEC, Birmingham, school groups will have the opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers and technologists from all over the UK. The event will showcase exciting and surprising STEM and careers in cutting-edge sectors such as AI and technology, environment and sustainability, energy and transport and health and wellbeing.

The much-loved live stage shows will also return this year. This includes a brand new show from ZooLab UK on biomimicry, featuring snakes, geckos and giant cockroaches. Students will discover how animals have inspired engineers in their designs and inventions. Interactive ‘Guess who?’ career sessions will also be on offer, designed to challenge stereotypes and showcase that STEM jobs are accessible for all.

A diverse range of UK employers and organisations will come together to bring STEM careers to life for young people. Exhibiting at the 2025 Fair are the BBC, EasyJet, Pixelia, Playground Games, National Highways, V&A museum and many more.

Interactive experiences
Major supporter Rolls-Royce will be inviting students to try exciting interactive experiences, including operating a submarine, designing planes and exploring 3-D printing technology. Lauren James, Group education outreach manager at Rolls Royce, said: “We are excited to collaborate with our partners at EngineeringUK and attend The Big Bang Fair. Together, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation and equipping them to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. We can't wait to meet and work with all of the incredible young people attending this year.”

The Big Bang Fair, which is run annually by not-for-profit EngineeringUK, is designed to showcase surprising possibilities in STEM and connect young people with inspiring role models. Phillip McShane, associate director of the Big Bang Programme at EngineeringUK, said: “We have a fantastic line-up for this year’s show and we can’t wait to welcome students and their teachers to discover the many exciting possibilities a STEM career can offer.

“STEM engagement activities like this are vital for inspiring and encouraging young people from all backgrounds to develop a passion for STEM. We know employers are really keen to attract diverse young talent, so this is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation to pursue these careers.” Schools will also be able to get a taster of the exciting hands-on activities available to book for free from EUK Education, such as Climate Schools Programme and Energy Quest.

Also taking place at The Big Bang Fair will be the project showcase and awards ceremony for the popular Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition. Winners will be announced, including the crowning of the prestigious Big Bang UK Young Engineer, UK Young Scientist and UK Young Technologist of the Year, supported by Siemens.