Go to Canterbury Christ CHurch University's website
Go to Canterbury Christ CHurch University's website
May 26 2026 | | Views: 28
Free community STEM event welcomed around 4,200 visitors to Memorial Gardens, featuring nearly 50 exhibitors and over 100 hands-on activities celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths.
STEM in the Park returned to Crawley’s Memorial Gardens on Saturday 16 May, welcoming families and young people for a day of STEM exploration.
Delivered by The STEM Hub at Canterbury Christ Church University and sponsored by Crawley Borough Council, London Gatwick Airport and the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, the event gave visitors opportunities to explore aviation, engineering and many other STEM careers through a wide range of activities.
Despite some light afternoon rain, the event remained lively throughout the day, with visitors meeting local businesses, employers and STEM experts, alongside organisations from across the wider region.
Visitors explored activities from a wide range of exhibitors, including flying drones through obstacle courses, programming Mars Rovers with Boeing UK, experimenting with renewable energy and electrical circuits, climbing aboard Metrobus’ hydrogen-powered double-decker bus, and exploring VR marine conservation experiences with the Manta Trust. Grateful thanks are also extended to Red Watch Crawley from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service for taking time out of their operational duties, while remaining on call, to attend and support the event, bringing the appliance and engaging with visitors.
The rocket launch activity was constantly busy throughout the event, with more than 500 rockets launched during the day. Young people learned about propulsion, flight and trajectory while testing how high their rockets could soar.
Families also enjoyed astronomy experiences with Crawley Astronomical Society and the University of Sussex, hands-on engineering challenges with the Institution of Engineering and Technology and Institution of Mechanical Engineers, construction activities with Kier, and interactive science exhibits from the Observatory Science Centre & Museum.
The event was further boosted by additional activities at Crawley College and the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, where visitors explored newly developed, state-of-the-art engineering, digital and technical learning spaces. These cutting-edge facilities - delivered in collaboration with leading local universities - provided a backdrop for hands-on demonstrations and career-focused experiences.
Creativity was displayed across the event through the STEM bunting initiative, with schools and young people submitting STEM-themed banner designs displayed throughout the marquees. Many children visited the event excited to spot their own artwork on display.
Crawley Borough Council Deputy Leader Councillor Atif Nawaz attended the event alongside fellow councillors and council officers, meeting exhibitors and speaking with families about the importance of STEM skills, learning and future careers.
Sampling conducted during the event showed strong local engagement, with 95% of visitors attending from the Crawley area, while some families also travelled from across Surrey and Kent. Feedback from young visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with 90% saying they had learned something new and that STEM made them feel curious, excited and inspired. An impressive 98% said they would like to attend again in the future.
Parents and children were equally enthusiastic in their feedback. One parent shared: “Loved the hands-on aspect of the event. Everything provided by the exhibitors was easy to understand, it was so diverse and I would recommend to friends and family and attend again — 10/10.”
Young visitor Clark, aged 15, said: “I learned so many new things, including how to make a landing strip light up from London Gatwick Airport.” He now wants to become an engineer.
Deepest thanks are extended to all exhibitors, volunteers and STEM Ambassadors whose creativity, energy and support helped make STEM in the Park 2026 another remarkable success. In particular, the event would not be possible without the incredible support of our volunteer STEM Ambassadors, who generously gave their time, enthusiasm and expertise throughout the day to help inspire the next generation.
Councillor Atif Nawaz commented, “It was fantastic to see Memorial Gardens transformed into such a vibrant hub of learning and discovery for STEM in the Park. With thousands of residents attending, the event created a real sense of excitement and curiosity. We are proud to support an event that brings together education, industry and our community to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and maths in such an accessible and inspiring way.”
For more information about STEM in the Park and this year’s exhibitors, visit https://thestemhub.org.uk/stem-in-the-park
