Go to Canterbury Christ CHurch University's website
Go to Canterbury Christ CHurch University's website
12 Mar 2026 | views: 21 |
A popular community educational event is set to return to Crawley this spring, offering a day of discovery, creativity and career inspiration for families and young people.
STEM in the Park will take place in Memorial Gardens, Crawley, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 16 May 2026. The free, family-friendly event celebrates STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) through interactive activities and exhibits.
Building on the success of last year’s event, which attracted more than 5,000 visitors, this year promises an even bigger programme, with nearly 40 exhibitors already confirmed. Local employers, universities, colleges, and STEM organisations will host a wide range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.
Visitors can test their skills flying a drone, try interactive challenges, and explore how STEM shapes the world around us. The event also offers the chance to discover careers behind the scenes at London Gatwick Airport, meet local businesses from a diverse range of industries, and learn about apprenticeships, degree placements, postgraduate roles, and future STEM pathways.
The event is designed to spark curiosity and show how exciting STEM careers can be, while giving young people the opportunity to meet professionals working in the sector.
Councillor Atif Nawaz, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development at Crawley Borough Council, said: "STEM in the Park is the council’s flagship educational event for Crawley and the wider community. It’s inspiring to see so many organisations coming together to highlight innovation, skills, and career opportunities, giving young people a real chance to explore what the future could hold for them. I encourage families to come along, get involved, and see just how exciting and important STEM is for shaping young people’s learning and future careers.”
Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy at London Gatwick, said: “London Gatwick is proud to continue its sponsorship of STEM in the Park. Inspiring young people across our local communities is incredibly important to us, and events like this help open doors to the breadth of STEM careers that drive the airport and wider region’s future.
Through our on-site STEM programme and our involvement in local events, we aim to spark curiosity, build confidence and show what’s possible within science, technology, engineering and maths. Our team is excited to be on hand again this year to share their expertise and help ignite a passion for innovation among the next generation of talent.”
During STEM In The Park visitors are invited to visit Crawley College for STEM At The College, just a two-minute walk from the park. The new Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT) building will be open to explore, showcasing how it supports science and technology education, technical training and pathways into careers in engineering, construction and digital.
Across the Crawley College campus, a range of additional activities, demonstrations and hands-on experiences will also be taking place.
Paul Rolfe, Director of the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, said: “At the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, we are passionate about closing the skills gap and inspiring the next generation. We are proud to support the Crawley STEM Festival, an initiative that perfectly aligns with our mission to make STEM education accessible and inspiring. Events like these are vital for sparking curiosity and showcasing the incredible career pathways available right here in our region.”
"Professor Mohamed Abdel-Maguid, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Student Growth and Global Engagement) at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), commented: “In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping work and everyday life, our young people need to develop their creativity, logic and problem-solving skills. STEM in the Park gives young people in Crawley and the wider community the chance to experience first-hand how science, technology, engineering and maths can help them understand and shape the future.
We are proud to continue supporting this important event. Over the years, we have seen how it helps turn curiosity into real enthusiasm for STEM. It is a privilege for CCCU to support an initiative that brings together education, industry and families in such a meaningful way. Through STEM in the Park and our wider STEM Hub work, we are committed to inspiring the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
STEM in the Park is sponsored by Crawley Borough Council, London Gatwick Airport, and the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, and delivered by The STEM Hub at Canterbury Christ Church University.
The event is free and open to all.
