The Big Bang Fair is a four-day event held annually in Birmingham that inspires over 70,000 young people about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. It features 150 interactive exhibition stands, theater shows, and workshops as well as the finals for the National Science and Engineering Competition. The goal is to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers to address the UK's needs for more scientists and engineers.

1. The Big Bang Fair 2016:
• 70,000+ visitors
• Three school days
• One family day
• 30,000sqm+ showfloor
• New showfloor layout
• 150 interactive exhibition stands
from business, industry and the
STEM community
• Interactive theatre shows across
several stages
• Tailored events for new audiences
• Over 200 projects in the
National Science + Engineering
Competition finals
Inspiring our future scientists and engineers
The UK’s biggest celebration of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) returns to The NEC,
Birmingham, from 16–19 March 2016. Welcoming almost
70,000 visitors in 2015, The Big Bang Fair is an established
calendar event for young people, teachers and parents.
The UK needs more scientists and engineers and equipping
young people with STEM skills is key to their future
employability. Bringing science and engineering to life with
a bang, The Fair features:
• leading business and industry from a wide range of sectors
• universities and STEM educators
• exciting theatre shows
• interactive workshops and exhibits
• careers information, resources and activities
Over an action-packed four days, thousands
of young people, their teachers and parents will:
• be amazed by the science and engineering all around them
• learn about the importance of studying science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• discover the wealth of exciting career opportunities available
to them in science and engineering
The Big Bang UK Young
Scientists Engineers Fair
The NEC, Birmingham, 16–19 March 2016
The Big Bang Fair is an unprecedented and
unparalleled collaboration between Government,
education, industry and the wider STEM community.
Working together, we provide the introduction
and inspiration that puts young people on
course to follow rewarding careers in science
or engineering. In partnership, we are inspiring
the next generation of scientists and engineers.
“Shows such as this
help inspire children
to pursue a career
in STEM sectors.”
The Sunday Telegraph

2. The Fair continues to engage influential supporters and the
media alike. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, followed
up his 2013 visit with a trip to The Fair again this year;
Schools Minister, Nick Gibb MP opened The Fair; and Science
Minister Greg Clark MP spent most of The Fair’s family day
enjoying The Fair’s STEM exhibits and hands-on activities.
Broadcast coverage during the Fair included BBC Midlands
Today, ITV West Carlton News, ITV Central Tonight, BBC Breakfast
and Newsround. Fast becoming an annual feature, the UK Young
Engineer and UK Young Scientist of the Year, were once again
invited to the BBC Breakfast sofa to discuss their award winning
projects. The Fair also created a real buzz on social media,
with #bigbangfair reaching over 15 million Twitter accounts across
the four days. At the last count there had been almost 2,000 pieces
of media coverage across the whole of The Big Bang Fair media
campaign, which seeks to ensure The Fair’s messages reach beyond
those who attend.
Highlights of 2015
Almost 70,000 visitors came to The Big Bang Fair
in 2015, with an equal number of boys and girls.
The Fair boasted a wide variety of jaw-dropping shows,
hands-on workshops, exhibits and careers resources.
Almost 200 organisations came together to make The Big Bang
Fair a success. Young people visited the eight themed zones,
enjoying, amongst other things, augmented reality technology
and rocket car competitions, exploring the human body and
cycling to power cooling machines.
The Careers Cabin, the central hub for careers information,
hosted just short of 18,000 engagements with young people.
Volunteers from across industry, from senior management to
graduates and apprentices gave their time to provide young
people with valuable inspiration and to share their experience.
The finals of the National Science + Engineering Competition
are held at The Big Bang Fair, leading to a prestigious awards
ceremony hosted in 2015 by Gadget Show presenter Jason
Bradbury and science and engineering presenter Fran Scott
along with Peter Dickson of X Factor voiceover fame.
The winners were among more than 500 talented students
chosen to showcase their work to a world-class panel
of judges, including Nobel Prize winning biochemist
Sir Tim Hunt, Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut and
Race Engineer, Leena Gade.
Colum McNally, from St Colman’s College in Newry,
was named UK Young Engineer of the Year for his
‘agri-hammer’ – a hydraulic machine to prevent farm
accidents. Sarah Sobka, from Sheffield High School
became UK Young Scientist of the Year after impressing
judges with her project to develop a treatment for
cystic fibrosis.
The impact of
The Big Bang Fair
Among visitors aged 11 to 19
significantly more than the
national average felt that
a career in engineering was
desirable (61% compared to
43%). 85% of the key audience
of 11 to 14 year olds learnt
a lot and nearly 60% of young
visitors used the opportunity
to speak to someone
about careers.
“The Big Bang Fair encourages
young people to understand
what science and maths and
technology can mean in life
as well as in the classroom.”
David Cameron, Prime Minister
National Science +
Engineering Competition
The Big Bang Fair:
a high profile
“Seeing engineering in a
real life environment is
helpful because it makes
you think about how
you’re going to use it.”
Visitor
“Both visitors and
exhibitors make
a lasting impression
on each other.”
Emma Bartley, The Times

3. The Big Bang UK Young Scientists
Engineers Fair is an unrivalled
opportunity to inspire thousands
of young people and help them
learn more about careers in
science, technology, engineering
and mathematics.
Would you like to play
a part?
There are a number of ways to
share in this unique experience:
We offer different packages depending
on what size stand, additional onsite
activities and level of profile suits you.
Business packages are priced at between
£20,000 and £120,000, with discounts
available for universities and science and
engineering institutions. You can find out
more at thebigbangfair.co.uk/sponsors
or contact John Halton on 020 3206 0436
or jhalton@engineeringuk.com.
Volunteer
Use your experience and expertise to
guide visitors around the showfloor,
provide careers inspiration or help out
with an activity. Autumn sees the open
call for volunteers. Find out more and sign
up at thebigbangfair.co.uk/volunteers
Come to The Fair and bring your
family and friends
The Big Bang Fair, from 16–19 March 2016,
will have three school days and one family
day. The Fair is completely free, but you
will need to register early to avoid
disappointment.
Play your part in
The Big Bang Fair 2016
The trade mark BIG BANG is the property of Big Bang Limited and is used here under licence.
Inspire the next generation
youtube.com/thebigbangfair
facebook.com/thebigbang4u
twitter.com/bigbangfair
“You can feel the
buzz. This is igniting
students’ interest.”
Teacher
Building your Big Bang
Our main exhibition delivery partner, Fresh, can support with
the design and build of your stand. Fresh can advise on what
works well for our audience and work with you to create
your perfect stand. Onsite to support The Fair, they offer
cost-effective build support.
thebigbangfair.co.uk/build