Over 200 speakers across a diverse range of professions will appear in over 100 ticketed events including: space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock, comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain, award winning physicist Brian Cox, lexicographer and media personality Susie Dent, chef andfood writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, BAFTA-winning TV presenter Maddie Moate and British Astronaut Tim Peake

• Variety of family-friendly events including a Festival first, ‘The Infinite Monkey’ Cage Family Special, featuring explorer and presenter Steve Backshall,Brian Cox, TV writer and comedian Adam Kay and comedian Robin Ince
• From the role of science in predicting election results, to why we need to talk about indoor air pollution, this year’s Festival explores the science of the everyday and the biggest issues of our time
• Cheltenham Science Festival continues its commitment to inspire real-world action through its signature theme of ‘Be the Change'

• The Festival offers three Interactive Zones that are free to enter – The Arcade, MakerShack and Discover Zone – all offering the chance to engage with cryptic challenges, alongside crafty and immersive activities. Plus, there are multiple Partner activations including GE’s Pavillion, The Woodland Trust Tree ID and Science Trail
• Festival-goers are also invited to experience late night entertainment events and off-site walks, including a Variety Night featuring a wonderfully chaotic evening of science-related fun
• There’s also the change to sit in the cockpit with Cheltenham-based F2 powerboat pilot Mette Bjerknes and team

Booking for Cheltenham Science Festival opens to Cheltenham Festivals Members on Wednesday 17 April and general booking opens on Wednesday 24 April

Cheltenham Science Festival is delighted to announce its thrilling 2024 programme, which features prominent names from the world of science participating in vibrant discussions in the cultural hub of Cheltenham. As ever, the Festival will be spotlighting, introducing and developing emerging talent and diverse voices from the scientific world, exploring the crucial relevance of science. This year’s programme shines a light on the role science plays in understanding our everyday lives, from eating to ageing, and deception to elections.

Taking place from Tuesday 4 – Sunday 9 June, the Festival will cover a range of fascinating topics across over 100 events. Festival-goers will be given the chance to explore some of the biggest issues in our world in more depth, with topics covered including the power of science to predict the upcoming elections, how desire works, and the question of whether humanity is truly alone in the universe. Speakers come from the worlds of art and design, social sciences, psychology and neuroscience, chemistry, engineering, entertainment, the environment, history, current affairs, food and space.

The annual Festival will once again be embracing the inspiring theme of ‘Be the Change’, highlighting how considering one’s role in shaping the future can create lasting change.

Cheltenham Science Festival will be working with three esteemed Guest Curators: Sophia Smith Galer, a science-focused journalist who Forbes magazine named as one of their Thirty Under Thirty, and Thomas Hertog, a Belgian cosmologist, author and previous key collaborator with Stephen Hawking. They will be crafting a programme that addresses the impact of science on our daily lives, as well as presenting insights that illuminate the intersection of science, innovation, and societal transformation. Returning this year is AIDA, the world’s first AI Science Festival curator, who will be contributing unique ideas to the Festival’s programme once more.

Additionally, the Festival will again work with a group of Young Changemakers: activist and Lived Experience consultant Charli Clement, food campaigner Tasha Mhakayakora, Dark Sky Officer for Snowdonia National Park Dani Roberson and Data engineer and STEM Ambassador Tosin Sonubi, whose fresh and distinctive perspectives will ensure that vital conversations take place. The Festival will also see the return of former changemakers: climate justice activist Daze Aghaji, international affairs young adviser Samuel Ajakaiye, Soil Snack founder Claudia MacGregor and ecologist and writer Jasmine Qureshi.

Booking for Cheltenham Science Festival opens to Cheltenham Festivals Members on Wednesday 17 April and general booking opens on Wednesday 24 April. This year’s full programme can be viewed on our What's On page.