Tech Ilford 2026

A Festival of Creativity and Innovation (Sat 13 June)

Join us on Saturday 13 June for Tech Ilford 2026, our annual celebration of innovation, creativity, and hands-on discovery at Redbridge Central Library and Museum and SPACE Ilford! Our festival offers exciting and interactive experiences around STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) for families, young people, and the wider community.

✨ No experience needed, just bring along your curiosity! All the activities are free, drop-in and running from 11 am to 3 pm unless stated otherwise.

Thanks to UK Robotics, we’re running a prize draw for three amazing robot building sets! Take part, give feedback on the day, and you’ll be entered; winners will be drawn the week after the festival.

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Access

British Sign Language

We are pleased to offer BSL interpreted small-group visits at selected times during Tech Ilford, with support from an NRCPD Registered British Sign Language Interpreter. You will be able to ask questions, find out what is happening and enjoy the festival at a relaxed pace. Places are limited, please book in advance.

Book your BSL Interpreted Visit

Easy Read

An Easy Read is available to help you plan your visit to Tech Ilford. It explains what Tech Ilford is, where to go when you arrive, what the festival may feel like, and how to ask for help. The guide also includes information about toilets, quiet spaces, ear defenders, BSL support and video permission. You can read it before you come, or use it on the day.

View the Tech Ilford Easy Read

Events Programme

Open wooden puzzle-box suitcase on a table in a library, showing a control panel with lights, dials and wires, with keys and small wooden components laid out in front.

Think Outside the Box (6 yrs+)

Dr Neena’s incredible Tree Machine has broken down, and you must help bring it back to life. Crack codes, solve puzzles and work together to save the day. Each family gets their own box to solve in this playful teamwork challenge. Run by U Can Too. £4 per family, book in advance.

Dr. Bike Check-up (all ages)

Bring your bike along for a free safety check. Get help with basic adjustments, spot any issues, and pick up simple maintenance tips to keep your bike running smoothly. A practical drop-in activity to cycle with more confidence. Run by the Redbridge Cycling Campaign.

BlueBot Art Zone (4 yrs+)

What happens when a robot becomes an artist? Choose a colour, programme a Blue-Bot with simple button commands, and watch it draw lines and patterns across a giant shared floral mural. A playful hands-on activity for children who love robots and creative surprises.

Radiant Recyclers (5 yrs+)

Turn recycled plastic bottles into a glowing work of art. Help create a colourful cultural pattern on a towering 6 ft light box and watch how light travels, bends and transforms through materials. A creative recycling and science project. Run by NO Collective.

Solve the Mystery (5 yrs+)

A valuable book has been stolen from the library! Follow the clues, investigate the suspects, and help us find the culprit. A fun mystery trail for young detectives and their families, with plenty to discover as you explore the library. With support from the MET Police.

Super Science! (5 yrs+)

Visit Redbridge Museum for a brand new STEM trail around the displays, exploring the history of science, technology and invention. Follow the clues, discover fascinating objects, and complete the trail to collect your medal for taking part in the Tech Ilford programme.

Build It Tall (6 yrs+)

How tall can you build? Join UEL for a playful engineering challenge using spaghetti, marshmallows and other simple materials. Test different shapes, balance your structure, and discover how small design choices can help your tower grow taller and stronger.

Sculpt in Mid-Air (7 yrs+)

Bring your ideas to life with a 3D printing pen and draw colourful lines that lift from the page. From simple shapes to imaginative mini creations, this activity is perfect for young makers who enjoy experimenting and creating something unique. Supported by Bizzie Bodies.

The Journey of Tech (7+ years)

Dive into the exciting world of our favourite gadgets by uncovering where their materials come from! Learn all about the recycling process and why it’s such a big deal for our planet. Plus, discover some easy and enjoyable ways to cut down on your waste! Delivered by ELWA.

Shrink The Drawing (7 yrs+)

Colour in your own earring, necklace or badge design, then watch it shrink before your eyes! Turn your drawing into a tiny wearable artwork, and discover the cool connection between your make and nano-technology. Run by NO Collective and sponsored by UK Robotics.

Colour Your Lens (8 yrs+)

Create your own colourful phone camera lens and see Tech Ilford in a whole new way. In this hands-on activity with Colours of Redbridge, you will build a simple DIY lens, then use it to take photos around the event. Share your favourite image and see it displayed on the big screen.

Energy Detectives (8 yrs+)

Take a closer look at how energy is used at home. Try a real thermal camera to spot hidden heat loss and use an energy monitor to see how much power everyday devices use. Explore simple ways to reduce waste and make your home more efficient. Run by Energy Café volunteers.

Electronic Games (9 yrs+)

Design and build your own handheld game using electronic components and coding. Connect circuits, experiment with buttons, and bring your ideas to life as a playable game. Test it, tweak it, and see how electronics and coding work together. Run by Think Create Learn.

Electric Explorers (11 yrs+)

Get hands-on with electricity and discover what makes everyday devices work. Explore circuits, look inside opened-up electrical items, and investigate the hidden parts that help them function while spotting possible faults. Guided by skilled Repair Café Volunteers.

Art in Motion (12 yrs+)

Use light, colour and flowing effects in virtual reality to create 3D artwork that moves, floats and surrounds you. Explore a new way of making art where your brushstrokes are not limited to paper or canvas. A creative digital experience for young artists ready to try something new.

Build a Robot (5 yrs+)

Join us to learn how to build a small little robot that waves his hand. All 3D-printed beforehand. They will then be allowed to decorate their robot with marker pens and other small crafts and take their bots home and show it to their friends! Limited spaces, book in advance at SPACE Ilford.

Micro:bic Challenge (all)

There has been a technovirus outbreak! Young coders from Redbridge libraries have been busy creating glowing digital microbes using Micro:bits. See their animated creations come to life in an awesome light display and vote for your favourite.

IMPORTANT: The activities will run from 11 am to 3 pm, unless otherwise stated. All times are approximate and could change on the day. They are all free and drop-in, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, unless otherwise stated. Please note that if the library reaches capacity, we will allow access on a one-in, one-out basis.

As this is a free event, having a ticket DOES NOT guarantee entry to the activities on offer if we reach capacity. Photography & videography will take place at this event.

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