Little Scientists, Lots of Learning: Our Visit to UEA's Science Festival Stand

Norwich Science Festival has just celebrated a decade of hands-on learning within the Norwich community.  

If the crowds at The Forum are anything to go by, the milestone passed with a bang!

We were only too happy to support the University of East Anglia (UEA)’s stand in The Explorium. So, as the Festival got in full swing, we took a little field trip over to the city centre to have a peek at what local scientists are up to.  

Even though the weather this half-term has been (scientifically-speaking)freezing, The Forum was jammed with families who had braved the cold to expand their minds with a spot of STEM.  

We were pleased to see that UEA's stand was bustling; Hannah Linsdell, Public Events and Engagement Officer at UEA, reported a footfall of 10,000 visitors per day of the festival and, certainly when we arrived, the bright green ‘Little Lab’ and STEMM Studio were swarmed with children. These youngsters were armed with child-friendly experiments (we spotted Ziploc bags of peas, for example!) Meanwhile, younger visitors played in the soft play pit and explored their reflections in the bubble-mirror wall.  

Clearly, there was a lot to be getting on with, and people were loving it. 

UEA's Bright Green Stand at Norwich Science Festival 2026 - Credit: Image Experiential

Showcasing Regional Excellence 

One of the core aims of Norwich Science Festival is to ‘showcase regional excellence’.  

UEA are therefore a perfect contributor. After all, what is a university if not a dedicated place for curious, innovative individuals to become more curious and innovative? The university is, of course, one of Norwich’s finest institutions, inspiring future generations of scientists year-in, year-out. 

We were happy to get on board and support their aim of inspiring even younger scientists to get involved on their half-term break.  

An Eye-Catching Laboratory 

The Festival should be, as UEA describe, a ‘playground of ideas’. Our task, then, was to work with Hannah to create a stand that expressed that mantra, catching visitors’ attention in a busy atrium where there is much to see.  

Once attention was attracted, the priority was play and expression, as well as meaningful connection with the scientists. 

With this in mind, UEA’s stand combined: 

• A hands-on area - the Little Lab, where UEA staff and volunteers could interact with the public, sharing their sciencey expertise 

• An area for more self-led exploration, the STEMM Studio and open area. That’s where the mirror wall and the soft play area came into their own 

In this way, UEA crafted a wonderful experience from their corner of the Explorium; one which combined curiosity with creativity, some of the university’s core pillars. 

UEA's Little Lab and Mirror Wall at Norwich Science Festival - Credit: Image Experiential

Little Scientists, Big Names 

So, what can brands hope to learn from UEA’s exhibition laboratory?  

Well, at an event like this, the exhibition stand functions as a seamless way to introduce the brand, but of course, UEA are well-known in our locality. So, an exhibition stand is less about introducing the brand (who are UEA?), and more about being a pragmatic touchpoint for the general public to get to know them, more personally. Putting a face to a name, and all that. 

The other important thing to remember is that people don’t know what to expect when they pop into the Science Festival, but they do know what they want: engaging experiences, practical spaces, and knowledgeable folk.  

Building on that, then, here are some important features for your next exhibition:  

1. Functionality and Ease  

When they approach the stand, visitors should be able to understand at a glance what they’re looking at, and who’s who.  

UEA’s visitor-centred approach meant that the whole experience was easy to navigate, so families could focus on learning and fun.  

2. Authenticity 

Real-people, real experiences.  

The staff manning UEA’s stand had a real connection to the university's vibrant community. From students and researchers, to academics, the green-shirted helpers were a lovely representation of UEA's achievements and the people behind the big name.  

Again, that sense of human touch makes all the difference.  

3. Audience Demographics 

It’s not often that we’re called upon to support the creation of exhibition stands that are for children as much as they’re for adults. An exciting challenge!  

The real takeaway from this is that exhibitions and brand experiences are created with the audience in mind, as well as the particular purpose of the event.  

Here, UEA wanted to 'bring science vividly to life’ for people of all ages. That means including experiences that will catch little ones’ attention, as well as things that will inspire their adults to get involved.  

The space has to be flexible to accommodate that—and, of course, to accommodate a constant influx of visitors. 

UEA's Exhibition Stand and Soft Play Area Before the Crowds Descended - Credit: Image Experiential

Not Done Learning? 

There’s always more to learn! If it’s events and exhibition stands you want, you can check out: our Experiential Edge Series.  

Or, if its inspo you crave, look no further than our portfolio.