Countdown on for the UK’s biggest free STEM fair for young people

Date published: 04 June 2025

Thousands of young people set to attend the UK's largest celebration of STEM

In just 2 weeks' time over 20,000 students from across the UK will attend the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people – the popular Big Bang Fair. From coding robots and playing drone football, to exploring how 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 Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair. 

A young person at The Big Bang Fair holds a microphone ad looks through a ring lamp directly into camera

Taking place from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 June 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham, school groups will have the opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers and technologists from all over the UK. The Fair 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 ZooLabUK on biomimicry, featuring snakes, geckos and giant cockroaches. Students will discover how animals have inspired engineers in their designs and inventions. Interactive ‘Guess who?’ careers 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 BBC, EasyJet, Pixelia, Playground Games, National Highways, V&A museum - to name just a few!  

Major supporter Rolls-Royce will be inviting students to try exciting interactive experiences, including operating a submarine, designing planes and exploring 3D printing technology. Lauren James, Group Education Outreach Manager at Rolls-Royce, comments “We are excited to collaborate with our partners at EngineeringUK and attend The Big Bang Fair. Together, we're 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 Fair is one of a suite of activities available from the team here at EUK Education, part of the STEM charity EngineeringUK. Taking place annually, The Fair is designed to showcase surprising possibilities in STEM and connect young people with inspiring role models.  

Phillip McShane, Associate Director – Big Bang Programme, commented: “We have a fantastic line-up for The Big Bang Fair 2025 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 we offer free of charge, such as Climate Schools Programme and Energy Quest.  

Also taking place at The Fair, will be the project showcase and awards ceremony for the popular Big Bang UK Young Scientists & 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. 

Find out more about The Big Bang Fair

Meet The Big Bang Competition finalists

Together, we're 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.

— Lauren James, Group Education Outreach Manager, Rolls-Royce