Chelmsford Science Festival: Gaming Fringe
What’s it about?
This exciting and inclusive fringe event will be part of the Chelmsford Science Festival 2026, exploring the world of gaming, the many creative jobs you can do and the ways to get them. We’ll be running fun, hands-on workshops and activities across Chelmsford, so everyone can join in together, learn new skills, and share ideas. We’ll also challenge stereotypes about who games are for and show that everyone belongs in the world of creative tech!
“I’m really excited about how this is going to show a lot of underrepresented gaming communities within Chelmsford and also link together people from all across the region not just the city, hopefully creating a really cool atmosphere.”
SPARK! Young Cultural Changemaker
“Anglia Ruskin University is thrilled to support the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme.
As well as being a lot of fun, we hope the Gaming Fringe at the Chelmsford Science Festival will show how gaming culture can empower young people, challenge stereotypes and highlight creative career pathways for underrepresented groups.“
Andrea Hilliard Deputy Director of External Relations & Communications Anglia Ruskin University
Helping more people learn about fun and creative jobs in game design
Helping people from different communities to learn, play, and connect through games
Helping people understand how games can affect our feelings, friendships, and wellbeing
Encouraging people to play games in ways that are better for the planet
Local game creators and studios celebrated
More young people (especially 13–24 ear olds) take part in the Chelmsford Science Festival
SPARK! will help create a permanent gaming programme
Helping make Chelmsford better known for learning about and studying game design
What does success look like?
Watch our reel…
Image credit: Culture Chelmsford
Our journey so far…
“It’s so important for young people to learn about creative careers because if we don’t show them what’s out there, they could miss out on finding their purpose, especially starting in their local area. Creativity is everywhere and the world is full of creative careers - including the digital world. As technology is a part of life, any skills can be transferred in ways we all wouldn’t have thought of. Creative careers start from the most unexpected places.”
Isobel Arden Chair of SPARK! Young Cultural Changemakers
“For me games are a big part of my life, it's why I'm an artist in the first place. I just love the work that goes into making something like that, the amount of people you need on a project all coming together to help to complete a vision. It's just something I really admire and really like.
Which is why I think spark being a part of it is so important, especially for younger people these days, the games industry is quite a difficult industry to get into, so having a way for young people who are passionate about this art form, like myself, come together and find a community is something I really admire and I'm very happy to be a part of.”
Austin SPARK! Young Cultural Changemakers
"I'm really proud to have helped bring CSES, Culture Chelmsford and ARU together to create and deliver Game On!, which was co-designed with young people from Spark! Youth Forum to help them realise their ideas for a gaming festival in Chelmsford. This has been a successful pilot event, with three excellent workshops delivered by a mix of industry and educational partners, and has generated many good ideas for the full festival next year. I really enjoyed it (and learned a fair bit too!), as did the students, who got an insider's view of the world of game design and some valuable careers advice."
Adam Wood Trustee Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society
Apr - Sep: Exhibition co-design & planning phase with communities
Oct : Chelmsford Science Festival: Gaming Fringe community events
Our next steps…
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the project, please contact us at hello@culturechelmsford.org.uk
Collecting Our Future is produced by Culture Chelmsford and SPARK!, in collaboration with and funded by Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford City Council, Chelmsford College, Chelmsford For You and Arts Council England.
“As a community college in Chelmsford, we are dedicated to empowering young people through access to creative arts and cultural experiences. Being part of the ACE Place
Partnership allows our students to engage creatively; and help shape a vibrant cultural future for Chelmsford and the wider Essex community.“
Sarah Hamilton Executive Director of Innovation and
Partnerships Chelmsford College
“A great insight overall into careers. You hear about computer science but not this.”
Year 11 Student Game On Pilot
“I really enjoyed seeing the ways in which designing games can get broken down into different careers and roles.”
Year 10 Student Game On Pilot
"Dlala Studios were very proud to be part of the Game On! event. I attended the event personally, alongside our Audio Lead, and was beyond impressed with how smooth the event was run. The level of engagement from the children was fantastic, at what is a difficult age to have these discussions with at times they remained interested, asking questions and participating.
As a studio, we try to engage actively with Essex-based events, especially those linked to the education sector and I can truly say this is one of my favourites so far. Everyone was professional whilst maintaining a relaxed and open atmosphere. I am very honoured that Dlala got to be a part of this event and we can't wait to see what future events look like."
Aj Grand-Scrutton CEO of Dlala Studios , Ignite Chelmsford Partner & ECC Cultural Ambassador
