More than 1,000 people of all ages enjoyed a day of creativity, discovery and hands-on activities at the Resonate Summer Festival.
Colourful performances, interactive workshops and hands-on discoveries filled the University of Warwick campus on Saturday 30 May as the Resonate Summer Festival 2026 welcomed visitors for a lively celebration of curiosity, creativity and community.
More than 1,000 people enjoyed the free-to-attend festival, transforming campus into a space for families, local residents and visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities, from interactive experiences and performances to technical demonstrations and creative storytelling.
Dr Kerry Baker, Associate Director of the Warwick Institute of Engagement at the University of Warwick, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages coming onto campus to explore, learn and experience the wide range of research, culture and creativity that takes place at Warwick. Creating opportunities for people to engage with the University in fun, accessible and interactive ways is incredibly important to us.
“The atmosphere throughout the day was brilliant, and it was great to see families, students, staff and local communities all coming together to share in the experience.”
This year’s festival featured a Summer Science Zone, alongside returning favourites and an expanded programme of activities for under 5’s.
Throughout the day, visitors discovered the science behind lasers and light in live demonstrations, explored how orangutans engineer intricate sleeping nests, and took part in creative activities designed to spark imagination and discovery.
Student societies also returned with 15-minute pop up shows, and teams from the Warwick Innovation Campus showcased work from plants to pollinators.
Libby Ainsworth an undergraduate student studying English and Comparative Literary Studies, who volunteered with the English department’s Transformations programme delivering Gothic literature-inspired activities, said: “It was really rewarding to be part of something that encouraged creativity and brought people together in such a fun way. Developing and running an activity felt important because it gave us a chance to make literature more accessible for younger visitors, and it was great to see families getting so involved and building their own spooky characters and stories.”
The Resonate Summer Festival forms part of the University of Warwick’s ongoing commitment to create space for conversation around its research, innovation and cultural activity with wider audiences.
