The Furness STEM Show
The Furness STEM Show is a two-day event for schools that will be held during term time on the 10th and 11th of March 2026.
Organised by Furness Education & Skills Partnership (FESP) and sponsored by BAE Systems, Furness College and The Royal Academy of Engineering, it delivers a host of activities for primary and secondary age children to discover and be inspired by STEM subjects and activities.
- Free educational event with interactive STEM demonstrations and activities for young people aged 6-16.
- Opportunity for young people to find out what is on offer in Barrow and the South Lakes, in terms of continuing education and future careers.
- All stands and activities will have a focus on the application of STEM skills in business and training. Pupils will be able to experience STEM Challenges and meet STEM Ambassadors who work in STEM based businesses.
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Tuesday 10th March 2026 (9am – 3.30pm) for schools, by invitation only.
Wednesday 11th March 2026 (9am-3.30pm) for schools, by invitation only. -
Furness College, Channelside, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2PJ
Free car parking available in the college car park.
We are delighted to be sponsoring the Furness STEM Show, promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths learning in our local area. We wish the event every success and hope it will inspire young people to equip themselves for the range of careers and opportunities available to them in Furness
Furness STEM Show 2026
FESP previously partnered with C-STEM to deliver the Furness Big Bang Fair. A two-day spectacular, which welcomed more than 1,000 primary, secondary and college students. In 2017 the event widened its reach to include primary schools from the outside the Barrow area, to promote STEM careers and learning to even more youngsters. The BEP (Barrow Engineering Project) schools and Secondary schools also attended.
The Furness STEM Show 2025 once again brought together schools, businesses and universities to ignite young minds with the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Taking place on 11th and 12th March 2025 at Furness College’s Channelside campus, the event welcomed over 1,100 pupils from 32 schools; immersing them in interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and ambition in STEM careers. Organised by Furness Education & Skills Partnership (FESP), the show featured an exciting range of activities, from exploring DNA and biosciences to tackling engineering challenges. Pupils tested their problem-solving skills in Brain Games, controlled a robot arm using a gaming controller, and explored Maritime Skills and Marine Conservation. A VR simulation put students in the shoes of industry professionals, including windfarm engineers, welders and electricity distribution specialists, while others participated in a Light but Strong Challenge, building and stress-testing structures to understand material strength.
Attendees were also introduced to Earth Sciences, gaining insights into the planet’s natural processes, and engaged with interactive puzzles and scale 3D models to explore the principles behind engineering and design.
Supporting organisations included: Oxley, Siemens Energy, Vattenfall, Morgan Sindall, Kimberly-Clark, BAE Systems, Laing O’Rourke and Furness College alongside Lancaster University, The University of Cumbria and a host of other organisations and businesses. Their interactive stands provided an insight into the skills and opportunities within STEM-related industries.
This year’s event, is taking place during British Science Week and promises to be even bigger and better than ever before.
The Furness STEM Show is being sponsored by BAE Systems, Furness College and The Royal Academy of Engineering. It’s being supported by a wide range of local STEM businesses including BAE, Siemens and Oxley. Each business will host an interactive stand with activities that pupils can engage with.
Previous attractions included:
- Lancaster University’s inflatable planetarium.
- Professor Pumpernickel who was a massive hit with his amazing science show.
- Pupils used pedal power to see if they could generate enough power for a TV at the Electricity North West stand.
- School groups working with staff and students from University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to see what is involved in a hip replacement and also see how hospital respiratory equipment is used.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is proud to continue supporting the Furness STEM Show, an event that provides invaluable opportunities for young people in the Barrow and Furness area to explore the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
By engaging over 1,000 students at Furness College over two days, this event plays a vital role in inspiring future engineers and innovators, while strengthening the local community and fostering a passion for STEM that will shape the region’s future
Furness College is delighted to be hosting the Furness STEM Show at our Channelside campus. Drawing on our industry-standard environments which mirror the world of work accurately and are equipped with all the latest equipment and technologies, the Furness STEM Show will be fantastic showcase for skills and learning in STEM as part of British Science Week. With interactive demonstrations and activities, it’s a unique opportunity for school pupils from across the area to experience Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in a hands-on and fun way.