The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution is preparing to welcome families back to Brilliantly Engineered, as the popular hands-on engineering festival returns to Queen Square from Saturday 28 February to Tuesday 3 March 2026.
The free four-day showcase is designed to excite curious young minds and offer a glimpse into the world of modern engineering and technology. Visitors can expect interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and the chance to meet engineers and scientists from some of the region’s leading organisations.
Across the weekend families will be able to take part in creative build-and-make challenges and explore engineering concepts through practical activities. Highlights include balloon experiments that won’t pop, model helicopter design and the opportunity to quiz real engineers about what their job involves.
Organisations represented across the festival include The James Dyson Foundation, Rotork, BMT, Bath College, University of Bath and Bath Spa University Creative Computing. Exhibitors will showcase real-world careers and current innovations shaping the industry.
Saturday and Sunday are open to the public, with activities suitable for children aged five to 15 and plenty to inspire older students and adults too.
Monday and Tuesday are reserved for pre-booked school visits. Key stage 2 pupils will take part in an engineering workshop delivered by The James Dyson Foundation. Teachers, parents or carers interested in arranging a school group can contact BRLSI’s Learning and Engagement Officer Becky Thoburn at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
The festival is completely free to attend and runs from 10am–4pm each day, including Sunday 1 March. No ticket is required, although children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
Event Details
Brilliantly Engineered 2026
Saturday 28 February – Tuesday 3 March
10am–4pm daily
BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath
Free admission for all ages
More information: email hidden; JavaScript is required or 01225 312084
Whether you have a budding inventor at home or simply want to explore the technology that shapes our everyday world, Brilliantly Engineered promises a fun and inspiring day out for families across Bath and Wiltshire.
For programme updates visit www.brlsi.org/whatson/be2026.
