the home of science, arts and inspiration

The Great Exhibition Road Festival 2023!

The Great Exhibition Road Festival took centre stage in South Kensington this weekend, delivering a remarkable celebration of science and the arts. The festival captivated attendees with a diverse range of events designed to inspire, motivate change, and ignite innovation. The weekend-long extravaganza showcased the power of awe and wonder, drawing individuals of all ages to partake in hands-on workshops, captivating talks, mesmerizing performances, and thought-provoking installations.

With participation from world-leading institutions including Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, Royal College of Music, and Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Parks, the Great Exhibition Road Festival proved to be an unmissable experience for science enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious minds alike.

Visitors met scientists, engineers, artists, and inventors and tried out awesome activities especially created for families with children under 12 in the Family Fun zone. From making amazing artwork, discovering how powerful your jump is, marveling at minibeasts, chilling out with a story, spinning the wheel, and duck hooking- there was lots for families to enjoy and discover together.

Elsewhere, visitors got a taste of sustainability, picking up recipe cards and getting top tips for reducing their carbon footprint in mealtimes. With the chocolate fountain, visitors learned about fluid dynamics while indulging in delicious chocolate treats. In the Demo Kitchen, attendees witnessed the latest culinary creations and techniques, as top chefs whipped up dishes right there and then! Visitors had the opportunity to explore new flavors and ingredients and learn how to make meals for both a healthy body and a healthy planet.

Plus, while visitors indulged in food from all over the world, they enjoyed eclectic performances from the Royal College of Music and Royal Albert Hall at the main stage on Exhibition Road.

There was also a chance for visitors to dive into the age 18+ Festival Zone for some serious fun! From the art of corrosion to birdsong and hearing health, that zone was where science met art to create a truly unique and inspiring experience for adults. In the grade II listed home of the Royal Geographical Society, visitors could come face-to-face with people who fought environmental crises with a unique photography exhibition before exploring the science of conservation, preservation, and protecting art for future generations. Plus they could get hands-on with science and art and try their hand at controlled corrosion by creating their own custom copper keychain to take home.

Another one of the highlights was the exclusive Discover South Kensington tour, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to delve into our fascinating history and gain insight into Prince Albert's visionary quest to establish South Kensington as a haven for arts and science. Visitors were treated to an immersive experience, uncovering the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage and witnessing firsthand the realization of Prince Albert's dream.

Find out more about the festival here or visit, @ExRdFestival on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Great Exhibition Road Festival 2023 (Images: Brendan Foster)