Halton MakeFest 2025 will be a free, one-day festival designed to engage residents of Halton— one of the 10% most economically deprived areas in the UK— (and surrounding areas) in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM). With a focus on fostering community, the festivals will showcase interactive art exhibits, hands-on creative workshops, and stalls to connect local people with local makers.

By featuring an array of fascinating organisations from Halton and the surrounding area (such as insect zoos, video game coders, photographers, and 3D printing specialists) we aim to spark interest and signpost opportunities for the estimated 2000 attendees. This is crucial as poverty in our community leads to poorer educational outcomes, limited job prospects, and lower life expectancy.

We will also offer the chance to volunteer giving residents aged 16+ a chance to gain valuable experience, build confidence, and increase their employability.
Widnes Library and Halton MakeFest share the ethos of valuing educational and creative technologies as a tool to expand our community’s horizons. Hosting the event will strengthen the library’s ties to the local community and showcase it as a resource for more than just borrowing books. The library has excellent public transport links, increasing sustainability and access for low-income families and individuals.

Partnering with Widnes Library also allows marketing efforts to reach deeper into communities. We will promote Halton MakeFest through targeted online marketing, local media partnerships, email campaigns, and word of mouth.
Digital Arts Box has grown Halton MakeFest since its 2019 launch, evolving based on community feedback. We gather data through attendance tracking, surveys, and feedback to identify successes and areas for improvement. This ensures future events continue to meet the needs of Halton’s residents and have a lasting impact on the community.