Pint of Science 2026 launches into Colchester pubs

Research is leaving the lab and launching into Colchester’s pubs as the world’s largest festival of public science talks returns next month.

Tickets cost £5 and are on sale now for Pint of Science 2026, which will bring more than 20 leading scientists from the region into some of the city’s best-known venues.

Colchester will join hundreds of cities across 25 countries taking part, giving people the chance to hear about new discoveries in an informal setting.

Talks, demonstrations and live experiments will take place at venues including Three Wise Monkeys, Dragonfly Lounge and Walkabout from May 18-20. 

Highlights including Planet Earth at Dragonfly Lounge, which explores the natural world through conservation, citizen science and ancient fossils.

Exciting collaboration

At Walkabout, Our Society will delve into Colchester’s history, including a collaboration with a local metal detecting club. Meanwhile, Tech Me Out at Three Wise Monkeys will cover topics such as digital identity, subconscious signals and marine surveying technology.

City Coordinator Jessica Rhodes said: “It’s been an absolute joy stepping into the role this year.

"We’ve used audience feedback to build new relationships with venues across the city and are bringing back familiar faces alongside fresh voices.

"I’m most looking forward to those moments when speakers and audiences really connect – there’s an energy you don’t get in a lecture hall.”

Incredible experience

Fellow City Coordinator Russell Connelly added: “Leading the festival for the first time has been an incredible experience.

"We have an amazing set of speakers lined up and it’s a privilege to help create a space where complex research becomes a conversation anyone can join.”

Pint of Science was founded in 2013 by Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin to bring science to wider audiences.

Dr Paul said: “It’s amazing to see how a simple idea among friends has grown. Everyone should have the chance to explore and question the research happening across the UK.”