Join us at Cambridge Festival on Saturday 21 March 2026 from 11am – 4pm at the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST) on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, to learn more about our plans to build Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will unite world-class healthcare with cutting-edge research to transform the way we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The planned facility for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus will accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into NHS care at scale, shortening the time between breakthrough and patient benefit.
Learn more about the ground-breaking project, see a model of the building, and hear about how patients are using their lived experience to shape the plans for the specialist hospital.
Meet scientists and clinicians from the programmes and institutes of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre and partners to get hands-on with our ground-breaking science as we tell the full story of the cancer research being undertaken across Cambridge.
There's no need to book, just turn up on the day and find us in the Cancer Zone on the second floor of the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST) building for hands-on experiments, informative demonstrations and plenty of fun activities for children and adults of all ages.
Some of the more than 30 activities on offer include:
Conversations with clay
Join ceramicist Lucy Wheeler and environmental artist Kaitlin Ferguson to explore local ecology and the role of nature in healthcare in a drop-in clay workshop. Using a range of hand-made tools, make tiles inspired by Ivan Morison's proposed artwork for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, and make and take home a seed-bomb for your garden!
Decode the clues, unlock the science!
Just as scientists decipher the genetic code to uncover cancer’s origins, Pipette Mastermind challenges you to crack a secret colour code using precision pipetting—can you think like a researcher and solve the puzzle?
Lost in translation: Decoding codon crowns
Did you know that around 20% of your body is made up of proteins? Proteins are chains of amino acids which are determined by ‘codons’, sequences of three nucleotides which make up a specific amino acid. Here, you'll find out how proteins are made by cells through a process called translation and you can take away your very own codon flower crown to wear with splendour!
Methylation mayhem
Genes can be switched on and off by DNA methylation. When this happens to cancer genes, it can lead to our cells growing out of control. Come and spin the wheel to methylate or unmethylate genes to see what impact it has on cells.
Set the STAGE and make the GRADE
What does cancer stage and grade mean, and what is the difference between them? Set the stage and make the grade to find out about these important diagnostic tools and how they inform cancer treatment.
Human models of cancer in a dish
Cancer is a complex disease as many different types of cells are involved. By making plasticine cells with us, you will learn how scientists can build human cell models of cancer in the laboratory to identify new anti-cancer treatments.
The odd sock game
Race against the clock to find the mismatched DNA sock! Just like you, our scientists and healthcare team are working to make DNA sequencing faster so that we can quickly find errors in our DNA to provide personalised treatments that help people get better from cancer sooner.
Make your own blood and jelly scars!
Join us in making your own blood in a test tube! In this exciting activity, you can make up your own blood and then we’ll show you everything that’s circulating around your body! Did you know that your skin is the biggest part of your body? This fun activity helps you learn what happens when skin gets hurt and how it heals. You’ll even get to make your own fake wound to surprise your friends and family!
What makes a poop?
Have you ever wondered how a poop is made? Did you know that the colour of your poop can tell you a lot about your digestive system? Let's investigate poop to spot the early signs of cancer!
Making molecules
Become a mini scientist and get hands-on with making molecules! You'll learn how special medicines called antibodies can find and stick to cancer cells, and then will build your own using fun shapes and models. Discover how scientists turn these tiny molecules into powerful treatments, all through play, puzzles, and creativity.
Keyhole surgery simulators
Steady hands at the ready for our keyhole surgery simulator challenge. Test out equipment used by real surgeons to train and practice their key skills.
Dr Molly Cule's magnificent mission
Help Dr Molly Cule get from gene mutation to drug target to the clinic in a thrilling, hands-on laboratory escape-room mission! Step into our Cancer Escape Room and journey through four immersive zones, from identifying a gene target, to validation and drug discovery, and finally the clinical trial that brings hope to patients. Solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover how science turns an idea into a life-saving therapy. Each zone unlocks the next stage of real cancer research — can you make it to the end? Follow Dr Molly Cule and escape the lab before time runs out.
Virtual reality cancer laboratory
Designed as part of a collaborative effort between games designers, scientists, and astronomers, the virtual reality cancer lab is open for access! After putting on the headset, you will be transported to a virtual laboratory where you will experience an entirely new way of visualising tumours in 3D. Scientists are regularly using this technology to better understand cancer development and you will get the chance to join them!
What is radiotherapy?
Step into the world of radiotherapy! Explore how cancer is treated using cutting-edge technology through our 3D radiotherapy simulation system, see real radiotherapy masks up close, and get creative with colouring postcards for all ages.
How can you support cancer research?
Meet our Patient and Public Involvement contributors to find out how patients and members of the public are shaping cancer research and patient care across Cambridge to make it more relevant, suitable, acceptable and accessible to anyone affected by the disease.
What makes you feel included?
Help us create a body of belonging! Add a Post-it with a word, doodle or message showing what makes you feel included and place it on our acrylic torso to build a colourful, collective portrait of community.
Other cancer-themed talks and activities during the Cambridge Festival:
Physical activity and cancer online conversation(link is external)
When: Wednesday 18 March
Are you struggling to keep active since your diagnosis?
Not sure how to get started with exercise?
Wondering if exercise is safe during treatment?
Discuss these questions and many more by joining our panel of experts for an online conversation about physical exercise and cancer.
Battling brain cancer: Unspoken stories(link is external)
When: Wednesday 25 March
As part of Brain Cancer Awareness Month in March 2026, this event will bring together patients, carers, clinicians and researchers for an open conversation about living with, and tackling, brain cancer. Through real experiences and shared insights, we aim to shine a light on the human side of this disease, from the first symptoms, to treatment, recovery and ongoing research.
The future of breast cancer care(link is external)
When: Tuesday 31 March
Discover how team research is transforming the future of breast cancer care – from developing kinder, more personalised treatments to tackling health inequities and improving outcomes for everyone. Join cancer doctors and patient advocates as they explore how science, medicine and lived experience come together to design the research that matters to patients and the public.
Shades of Survival: Confronting global inequalities in breast cancer(link is external) (film and discussion)
When: Tuesday 31 March
Join an inspiring evening screening on Tuesday 31 March of Shades of Survival, an award-winning international documentary that shines a light on global inequalities in breast cancer care for Black women.