Space enthusiasts, future astronauts and curious families should clear their diaries this September because one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of science and space exploration is heading back to Leicester.
The UK in Space Festival returns to the National Space Centre on Sunday, September 20, 2026, promising a full day of talks, live demonstrations, workshops and hands-on experiences led by some of the brightest minds working in the UK space industry.
The headline attraction is Dallas Campbell, the broadcaster behind TV favourites including The Gadget Show, Bang Goes the Theory, Supersized Earth, Stargazing Live and The Sky at Night. He’ll deliver the festival’s keynote talk inside the National Space Centre’s spectacular planetarium before meeting visitors and signing copies of his latest book.
But this isn’t just a day for hardcore space nerds.
Visitors will get the chance to discover how scientists are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing humanity, from cleaning up Earth’s increasingly crowded orbit with futuristic “space tow trucks” to using satellite imagery to monitor Arctic walrus populations and better understand the effects of climate change.
The festival also shines a spotlight on Leicester’s status as one of the UK’s leading centres for space and planetary science.
Experts from the city will be exploring everything from how the Solar System formed and evolved to the next generation of space telescopes. Other talks will examine UK technology helping researchers understand the Northern Lights, Britain’s future in satellite communications and space security, and new discoveries emerging from the Chicxulub impact crater linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
For young visitors or anyone considering a career change, the event offers a rare opportunity to speak directly with scientists, engineers and academics about careers in the rapidly growing UK space sector.
Space isn’t just about rockets and astronauts anymore. Modern space science touches everything from climate monitoring and communications to sustainability, engineering and the technologies shaping our future.
Alongside the talks, visitors can enjoy immersive shows in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium and explore the National Space Centre’s galleries and iconic Rocket Tower throughout the day.
Why go?
✅ See TV presenter Dallas Campbell live
✅ Meet real scientists and space engineers
✅ Discover cutting-edge space technology
✅ Find out about careers in the UK space industry
✅ Enjoy planetarium shows and hands-on activities
✅ Explore Leicester’s famous National Space Centre
Need to know
What: UK in Space Festival
Where: National Space Centre, Leicester
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Tickets: Included with National Space Centre admission and annual pass entry
Book: Advance booking is recommended via the National Space Centre website
