Edinburgh Science Festival (ESF) is the first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, and is taking place over the Easter holidays between 5th and 20th April. With the 2025 theme of Spaceship Earth, the Festival continues its years-long commitment to Programming for the Planet. It urges everyone to live like an astronaut, a battle to learn from the constraints of living on a space station where resources are impossibly constrained, and every gram of material and watt of energy is precious.
This year’s programme is spread across 30 venues and 40% of what is on offer is free to access. Taking part in this year are all-star names this year such as Professor Richard Dawkins; former NASA astronaut and oceanographer Dr Kathy Sullivan and Edinburgh-born Director of Community Clothing and judge on the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee Patrick Grant and this year’s Festival shows for children 5+ include a baking show that’s with The Great British Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley.
At DiscoveryLab within City Art Centre, sensory backpacks and ear defenders are available free of charge from the ticketing desk on the ground floor, and there will be a Quiet Space on the third floor where visitors can take a break from the excitement. Although particularly designed for those with autism or sensory needs, these resources are available to everyone.
Edinburgh Science is a world expert in producing live science events and the 2025 Festival is the prime example of the power of bringing people together to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, maths and arts. ESF, renowned for its unique presentations of arts colliding with STEM, creating STEAM, delves into the worlds of speculative fiction, art exhibitions, sci-fi film screenings and music of the spheres and back with more creative ways to give everyone hands-on experience with science in a relaxed environment are Science Nights Out.
Edinburgh Science Director and CEO, Hassun El-Zafar said “It’s a great privilege to welcome guests and visitors, from near and far, to the 2025 Edinburgh Science Festival – my first as Director and CEO. For 35 years, Edinburgh Science has been fostering curiosity, discovery, and wonder, and this year continues that tradition. This Spring, we invite you to explore how we can collaborate to build a fairer, more regenerative world – one that preserves and nurtures our Spaceship Earth. Our Festival programme showcases an inspiring line-up of distinguished scientists, intrepid explorers, and visionary thinkers. This year also marks the launch of DiscoveryLab, our reimagined family experience at the City Art Centre.
We hope this year’s festival will spark ideas, ignite passions, and encourage a collective sense of responsibility for the world we share. We are thrilled to share these experiences with you and look forward to the journey ahead aboard our fragile, beautiful vessel, Spaceship Earth.”
ESF again presents a series of BSL-interpreted events.
Visit the ESF website for more information on accessibility
Tickets are on sale now on edinburghscience.co.uk.
ESF Dates: 5th – 20th April 2025
ESF Venues: National Museum of Scotland, Dynamic Earth, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Zoo.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 