Kippie-Fest
06 August - 07 August
10 August - 10 August
11 August - 11 August
17 August - 21 August
24 August - 25 August
26 August - 27 August
28 August - 28 August
Venue: 113-115 Spencer Road, Londonderry, Londonderry, BT476AE
Kippie Fest 2026 is a month-long celebration of games, creativity and technology taking place throughout August. The programme includes Minecraft Education, filmmaking, an LGBTQIA+ Youth Gaming Hangout, Arduino Creator Week and Game Jams for young people. The festival will finish with a free Creator Showcase & Awards on 28 August, where participants will present their work to friends, families, industry professionals and the public. The celebration will also feature awards, three industry keynote speakers, career insights and networking opportunities. Kippie Fest gives young people the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, meet others and explore future pathways into Northern Ireland's creative industries.
Kippie Fest 2026
Festival Programme
Kippie Fest is a month-long celebration of games, creativity, technology and digital innovation, providing accessible opportunities for children, young people, university students and aspiring professionals to learn, create and connect with Northern Ireland's creative industries.
Through practical workshops, industry events and community activities, Kippie Fest aims to inspire the next generation of creators while strengthening connections between education and industry.
⛏️ Minecraft Education Course
Date: 6–7th August
Time: 11:00am–3:00pm
Age: 9–13 years
Cost: FREE
A two-day introduction to digital creativity using Minecraft Education. Participants will explore coding, teamwork and problem-solving through engaging challenges and creative world-building activities. The course is designed to build confidence with technology while encouraging creativity in a fun and familiar environment.
Funded by SEUPB YSI Ignite Program.
Film Workshop
Date: 10th August
Time: 11:00am–3:00pm
Age: 11-16yrs
Cost: £15
Delivered in partnership with Woodlouse, this practical filmmaking workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of visual storytelling. Young people will explore script development, filming techniques, camera work and editing while creating their own short films in a collaborative environment.
LGBTQIA+ Youth Gaming Hangout
Date: 11 August
Time: 4:00pm–6:00pm
Cost: £5
A welcoming social evening designed to provide LGBTQ+ young people with a safe and inclusive space to meet others with similar interests. The session will include video games, board games, creative activities, snacks and opportunities to build friendships within a supportive community.
Arduino Creator Week
Date: 17–21 August
Time: 11:00am–3:00pm
Cost: £50
A five-day practical electronics programme introducing participants to physical computing using Arduino.
Across the week, attendees will learn programming fundamentals, electronic circuits and interactive design while creating a series of increasingly complex projects using sensors, LEDs, motors and programmable components. By the end of the course, each participant will have developed their own interactive prototype and gained valuable STEM skills.
Under 15 Game Jam
Date: 24–25 August
Time: 11:00am–3:00pm
Cost: £20
A two-day beginner-friendly game jam where young developers work in teams to design, build and present an original game based on a surprise theme.
Participants will experience the complete creative process from brainstorming ideas through to development, testing and presentation while developing collaboration, communication and project management skills.
️ 16–18 Game Jam
Date: 26-27th August
Time: 11:00am–3:00pm
Cost: £20
Designed for older teenagers considering careers or further education in games and creative technology, this two-day game jam offers a more advanced development experience.
Participants will work under realistic time constraints, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and receive mentoring from experienced developers while producing a playable game prototype.
Creator Showcase & Awards
Date: 28 August
Cost: FREE
The festival culminates in a public showcase celebrating the achievements of every Kippie-Fest participant - all from Minecraft, Arduino and Game Jam courses.
Friends, families, industry professionals and members of the public will be invited to play the completed games, meet the development teams and attend an awards ceremony recognising creativity, innovation, teamwork and technical achievement.
This event provides young developers with valuable experience showcasing their work to a public audience.
There will be 3 keynote speakers here to inspire young talent through keynote talks, career journeys, game development advice and Q & A discussions led by industry professionals.
The event aims to improve representation within the creative industries while providing meaningful networking opportunities between students, educators and professionals.