More Than 1,200 Wiltshire Pupils Attend STEAM Fair 2026 at County Hall

More than 1,200 primary school pupils from across Wiltshire gathered at County Hall for STEAM Fair 2026, an event designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and interest in future careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Organised by Wiltshire Council's Learning Resources Hub, the event took place on 10 November 2026 and welcomed pupils and school support staff from primary schools across the county. Around 70 home-educated children also attended.

The fair gave children the opportunity to explore a wide range of interactive exhibits, meet organisations working in different industries and take part in curriculum-linked activities designed to bring STEAM subjects to life.

Supported by QinetiQ and the REME Museum, the event brought together educational organisations, businesses, museums and specialist providers to introduce young people to the possibilities offered by science, technology and creative learning.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council, said STEAM subjects play an important role in everyday life, driving innovation, economic growth and solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges.

She highlighted the growing importance of skills in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, explaining that young people will need opportunities to explore these subjects from an early age.

Cllr Jacob said inspiring children while they are young can help develop the knowledge, confidence and skills they will need to succeed in future careers.

She also said the event supports Wiltshire Council's commitment to giving young people the best start in life while helping to build a strong local economy supported by a skilled workforce.

The 2026 event featured a variety of exhibitors offering different experiences and learning opportunities.

Organisations taking part included Artbytes, Bath Astronomers, Discover Materials, Engineering Curiosity UWE, Wiltshire Libraries, QinetiQ, the REME Museum and the Royal Horticultural Society.

Other exhibitors included Sirius Astronomy, the South West Regional Crime Unit, STEAM Museum, The Arts Society, The Dyson Foundation, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Wiltshire Careers Hub.

The council's Learning Resources Hub also had a presence at the event, alongside EMTAS and other participating organisations.

STEM Ambassadors were among those helping children explore different subjects, while familiar attractions including the Steam Punk Dalek and Star Wars droids added an extra element of excitement.

The combination of hands-on activities, interactive displays and opportunities to meet people working in different fields helped make the fair an engaging experience for pupils and teachers.

With technology and industries continuing to develop, events such as STEAM Fair provide an opportunity to introduce younger generations to subjects that could shape their future education and career choices.

Wiltshire Council said it hoped children and teachers left the event inspired by the opportunities available through studying science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.