The University of Bristol will mark its 150th anniversary with a day-long programme of public events, performances, talks and exhibitions across the city on Saturday 10 October 2026.
The celebrations will see the University's doors open to communities across Bristol, inviting visitors to explore its past, present and future through more than 30 activities taking place at its Clifton Campus and the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQEC), opening next to Bristol Temple Meads Station in September.
Activities on offer include interactive exhibits, guided tours, family-friendly activities, performances, conversations with leading academics and opportunities to discover some of the University's most significant research and collections.
The celebrations will also provide the opportunity for visitors to get a glimpse inside the University’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which opens during the anniversary year and represents a major investment in Bristol's future.
The events will be free, and most will be unticketed, allowing visitors to drop in throughout the day. Some talks will be ticketed due to anticipated demand.
These include a short talks from leading public health researchers on the Children of the 90s, the world’s largest and longest-running health study which has tracked the health of ordinary Bristolians for over 30 years, and a talk by Professor Bruce Hood, author of the The Science of Happiness, in which he will share ‘happiness hacks’ to change your life for the better.
On Tuesday 10 October 1876 at 9 am, University College, Bristol opened its doors with its very first lecture - an exploration of mathematics delivered by William Robert Bousfield. Initially there were two professors and five lecturers offering courses in 15 subjects, with the college open to men and women on the same basis.
Exactly 150 years on, Professor Oliver Johnson, Head of the School of Mathematics, will share how maths has played a foundational role in the history of the University of Bristol since that inaugural lecture.
The University, which gained its Royal Charter to become the University of Bristol on 24 May 1909, now has 31,000 students and over 9,000 staff. The open doors event forms part of a wider year of celebrations taking place across Bristol and with University communities around the world.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “Our 150th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the people, partnerships and ideas that have shaped the University since its foundation in 1876, while also looking forward to the future we will build together.
"We are proud of our deep roots in Bristol and of the positive impact our students, staff, alumni and partners continue to make locally and globally. We look forward to welcoming the public to join us in celebrating this milestone."