The Great Exhibition Road Festival celebrated its most successful year to date, drawing more than 57,000 attendees to South Kensington for a free weekend of science and art. The event also achieved its highest ever visitor satisfaction ratings.
This year marked the seventh installation of the free Festival and commemorated 175 years since the Great Exhibition of 1851, an event that significantly shaped South Kensington into a renowned cultural district.
The festival featured over 100 exhibits and events, including talks, activities, and workshops exploring the history and legacy of the Great Exhibition. These were complemented by displays inspired by cutting-edge science and art from the area. The event, led by Imperial College London, is a collaborative effort involving institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, the Royal Parks, and the V&A.
Visitor feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction, with 97% of attendees describing their experience as good or excellent, an increase from 94% in 2025. Of these, 58% rated their experience as excellent.
Lara Mistry, Head of Public Engagement Programmes, highlighted the festival's aim to make science, art, and the institutions of South Kensington accessible. "The Festival exists to welcome the public into spaces that they might typically perceive as unapproachable," she stated. "We take all the brilliant things that are happening in the laboratories, art studios and rehearsal rooms, and bring it to Festival visitors in engaging and creative ways." She noted that over 57,000 people see the Festival as a place to have fun while learning.
The festival continues to expand its reach, with 67% of attendees being first-time visitors and 62% having no prior connection to Imperial or any other festival partner. The event also encouraged repeat visits to the area, with 74% more likely to visit South Kensington again, 67% discovering new places locally, and 40% encountering a new organisation.
Local engagement was strengthened, with 18% of visitors coming from the three boroughs closest to Exhibition Road, up from 14% in 2025. Among London visitors, this share rose to 24% from 19%.
The Family Fun Zone, relocated to Kensington Gardens, offered activities for younger attendees. However, insights revealed the festival appeals broadly, with over half of visitors attending in adult-only groups and an increase in 16–25-year-old attendees.
The event's success relied on the participation of thousands of Imperial staff and students. Contributor satisfaction reached an all-time high of 99%, with 3 in 5 rating their experience as excellent. 95% found it rewarding and motivating, and 90% gained new ideas for public engagement.
Volunteers also reported positive experiences, with 100% rating the support and the event itself favourably. All surveyed volunteers indicated that helping at the festival improved their confidence and developed transferable skills.
The Great Exhibition Road Festival is scheduled to return on 19-20 June 2027. The call for submissions for next year's festival is now open until 2 November, inviting Imperial staff and students to share their research and gain public engagement experience.
