Free family-friendly events heading to Sheffield as Festival of Social Science returns
A series of family-friendly events and activities is heading to Sheffield this month as the UK’s Festival of Social Science returns to the city to shine a light on how university research is tackling some of the most urgent problems facing society.
- Understanding Society: A Festival of Social Science returns to Sheffield from 17 to 31 October with an interactive programme of free, family-friendly events
- Jointly hosted by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, the festival will explore how the city’s researchers are tackling some of society's biggest challenges
- Highlights range from an interactive installation on video game monetisation to a chance to test your knowledge of regional swear words in a unique pub quiz
A series of family-friendly events and activities is heading to Sheffield this month as the UK’s Festival of Social Science returns to the city to shine a light on how university research is tackling some of the most urgent problems facing society.
From 17 to 31 October, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University will present an interactive programme of events and exhibitions at venues across the city centre. From healthy eating on a budget to what video games teach young people about money, the festival is a chance for the people of Sheffield and beyond to explore pioneering social science research.
The festival has something for all ages and interests, including exhibitions, debates, interactive installations, workshops, demonstrations and games.
This year, the Sheffield programme centres around the themes of money, finance and the cost of living, while also exploring everything from how to work ethically with new technologies to a pub quiz introducing the wild world of British swear words.
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of the social sciences, with free events delivered by 41 partner institutions across the UK.
Professor Kate Dommett, Faculty Director of Research and Innovation, Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield, said: “The Festival of Social Science offers a unique opportunity for members of the public to connect with our researchers and learn more about how their work directly addresses everyday issues.
“As always, our team has curated a fascinating, fun and thought-provoking programme of events designed for people of all ages. I am particularly looking forward to the sessions on the cost-of-living crisis, which highlight research aimed at addressing some of our communities' biggest challenges.”
Events include:
The 'Cost' of Food: Now and in the future
Play the sustainable diet card game to see how many sustainable food habits you have, vote on which sustainability activities you think are most important, and write your own pledge to share on our 'promises for the planet' wall. Drop by, share your views, and discover achievable ways to make your diet better for both your pocket and the planet!
17 - 31 October, Moor Market
Play, Spend, Repeat: What video games are teaching your children about money
Join an interactive, family-friendly installation exploring how video games shape children's attitudes toward money, risk and reward. Learn about the various monetisation mechanics used in games, the link between in-game spending and gambling, and how to assess the financial and psychological risks of different video games.
26 - 31 October, Winter Gardens
Why Did I Buy That? The psychology of consumerism
Come on down to the Sheffield Tap for a drink and discover why consumerism remains so resilient, how it shapes our everyday choices, and what it really means to be a consumer in today's world. Expect a lively discussion!
20 October 7pm - 8.30pm, Sheffield Tap
Feeding Children in Hard Times: School meals, poverty and the cost of living in Britain
Take part in an interactive workshop exploring how school meals have helped families manage the costs of feeding children for more than a century, and how these past lessons can help us build a better school meals system today.
27 October, 12 - 1.30pm, The Hide
The UK Swear Map Pub Quiz: What Your Swearing Says About Where You're From
Put your lingo knowledge to the test with this fun, interactive session about the wild world of UK swear words. Based on the UK Swear Map project, this informal pub-based event explores the use of swear words, slang, and taboo phrases in everyday life, and how they vary across regions, generations and social contexts.
29 October, 7pm - 8.30pm, Sheffield Tap
Who Should Pay for Your Retirement? The pensions crisis and what to do about it
This public panel discussion brings together academics and pensions experts from the Pensions Policy Institute and the Money and Pensions Service. Drawing on research into saving behaviours and public perceptions of pension responsibility, the panel will explore the roles of the state, employers and individuals in funding retirement. Representatives will also be on hand to answer any questions attendees may have.
28 October, 5.45pm - 7.15pm, Sheffield Town Hall
The Sheffield programme of events is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said: “Social science helps us make sense of a rapidly changing world.
“It gives us the evidence and insight we need to understand how people, organisations and economies work and ESRC Festival of Social Science communications toolkit helps us tackle some of the most important challenges we face, from managing the cost of living to improving public services and strengthening communities.
“The Festival of Social Science is a chance for people across the UK to see this research in action.”
Full details of the Sheffield’s Festival of Social Science programme can be found here.
