Cosmic Frequencies Festival (Hexham, UK): a new model for artist and citizen-led discussions about SETI

SETI as a branch of astronomy and space science research represents a contemporary attempt to answer humanity’s ancient existential question ‘Are We alone in the Universe?’ This question springs from  our innate feelings of wonder at the stars, how we came to be on planet Earth, and how our ‘pale blue dot’ fits into the wider mysterious cosmos. As such, it has inspired artists, philosophers, religions as well as astronomers for millennia, and has fired the imagination of science fiction writers and filmmakers for over a hundred years.

Cosmic Frequencies Festival is a new grassroots, musician-led multi-disciplinary and multi-arts festival that facilitates public engagement with SETI research within this broader cultural and historical context. The three day Festival program is organised around the question  “Are we alone in the Universe?” and a provides a chance for members of the public to see and hear how astronomers, astrophysicists, cosmologists, UFOlogists, philosophers, filmmakers, science-fiction writers and artists and academics of all kinds respond to this question, now and in the past. This SETI themed Festival format is unique in the UK and (probably) Europe. The Festival was staged for the first time in 2025, and due to its success, Cosmic Frequencies is being held again from 7-9 August 2026 in the small rural town of Hexham which borders the Northumberland International Dark Skies Park and Kielder Observatory. Our aim is to make this an annual event.

Academic conferences and symposiums aim to foster knowledge sharing amongst peers through presenting research papers and debating findings with colleagues who share the same disciplinary or sub-disciplinary knowledge base and skill set. As a public-facing artist-led Festival, Cosmic Frequencies has no disciplinary boundaries. For example, for the main event this year, our guest presenters are local astronomer Dan Pye (Director of Kielder Observatory), Swedish SETI astrophysicist Beatriz Villarroel, American UFOlogist Ryan Sprague, SETI Institute artist in residence Daniela De Paulis, ex BBC science factual TV producer Steve Crabtree, with local space-funk band SKX Funkanauts performing live. Our view is that the question ‘Are we alone in the Universe?’ belongs to everyone, all epistemologies/ perspectives are worth considering and celebrating, and  face to face conversations in a friendly, open environment are essential for advancing human understanding.

As one the three volunteer Festival founders and organisers, I’ll provide an overview of Cosmic Frequencies from the perspective of on the ground development and impact. My focus will be on  how our ethos of  platforming diversity of perspectives and experiences and encouraging cross-disciplinary dialogue and public conversations, all within a festive atmosphere of wonder and enjoyment, has benefited both speakers and audience.