Save the Date | 3 February 2026

Following last years inaugural event, we're delighted to be inviting the next generation of curious minds to another unmissable day of discovery in the creative industries. Dive into inspiring sessions with creative organisations large and small. Meet with artists, designers, tattooists, theatre-makers, writers and creatives, and find out about careers that you didn’t even know existed.

Whether you're curious about theatre, visual arts, design, writing, music or beyond, this event is crafted to ignite your potential, spark ideas, and show you the endless possibilities ahead. If you’re a student choosing GCSE options, next step pathways, or you’re ready to survey the employment landscape, then this careers fair is for you.

Focussing on creative roles across a variety of industries, this is your opportunity to access presentations, panel discussions, TED-style talks, interactive stands, competitions, CV sessions – all led by professionals at the top of their game.    

Receive guidance, and quiz experts on apprenticeships, trainee schemes, career pathways and employment opportunities. Whether you’re looking to explore design, writing, music, a skilled trade, technical production, digital creation, gaming, public speaking, theatre or more, we can help.

The Creative Industries Careers Day is free to attend but booking is essential.  We recommend a minimum three-hour visit, either for the morning or afternoon session. Keynote presentations and discussions will take place between 11.45 – 1.15pm, at the beginning or end of your visit.  

If you’re interested in attending with a school group, please advise us of your subject lead, year group, number of attendees and focus of visit, and we can curate a bespoke itinerary.  

Our Café will be open for refreshments throughout the day. We look forward to seeing you then.

What can I expect?

We're busy putting this year's schedule together but last year we enjoyed an Keynote from Simon Bucknall - an inspirational speaker and public speaking coach who delivered a TED-style talk offering tips for managing nerves, projecting confidence and the art of communication. Plus panel discussions included a Making Theatres (industry experts who discussed the creation process of a show from page to stage, covering creative and practical roles), Technical Theatre and apprenticeships and Recruitment and roles (an indispensable guide to interview techniques, pitfalls, exploring transferrable skills and how to get ahead in the creative industries).

Want to know more?

Register your interest by emailing schools@cft.org.uk. More news to come asap.