In 2025, AutomataFest was a three-day opportunity for makers, collectors, enthusiasts, and the simply curious to experience the vibrant UK automata scene. Learn from leading automatists, meet fellow enthusiasts, and view some of the finest contemporary automata in action. We are planning to do it again on May 7-9th 2027.

For fun! This is a unique event in the UK and a rare opportunity to inhabit the world of contemporary automata. Feedback from the first running in 2025 was extremely positive with attendees saying how much they enjoyed meeting with other makers, enthusiasts and collectors. You will also be supporting Cabaret Mechanical Theatre's not-for-profit CIC (Community Interest Company) and Automata Magazine in our efforts to make the world a better place through encouraging the making of and learning about automata.

We'd love to make it affordable for everybody but we have a number of fixed costs to cover -- mainly the event-space hire costs and insurance. Although this first year is partly an experiment, we're still putting together a great line-up of events. Everyone we know is very excited about it and we think that attendees will find the ticket price to be a great value. In any case, we'll be gathering feedback as we go, so let us know what you think!

Right?! We keep asking that too! It's a difficult thing to get right but if you'd like to contribute further you can make a donation to our not-for-profit CIC or take out a subscription to Automata Magazine. Thank you!

Hastings is the home of Cabaret Mechanical Theatre and its Mechanical Making Space. In addition to that, Hastings, on the south coast of England, is a great place to visit, with lots of other things to see and do nearby if you have extra time on either side of AutomataFest. You might be interested in our Automata Map of the UK.

May 7th, 8th & 9th 2027. 

Hastings train station is less than 15 minutes walk from the venue. There are regular trains from London; the journey time is approx 1hr 35m. Various Stagecoach Buses stop nearby. We have a page with more travel information, but please get in touch if you need more help.

Yes, day tickets will be available. Please sign up to our Mailing List to be notified.

No. This is an in-person event and will not be live-streamed or recorded for later broadcast.

Our initial intent is for AutomataFest occur every other year. So at this point, the next running will be in 2027. This decision was made so that AutomataFest does not coincide with AutomataCon, which is held in the USA, in May, also every other year.

If you missed it this time, we invite you to use the form on this page to join our newsletter list and find out what the future holds.

We will have a limited number of tables for commercial exhibitors. Application forms will be available in 2026.

Yes, more information will be available in 2026. Send us a message via our contact page to register your interest.

The White Rock Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Carers will not require tickets but please contact us to arrange this.

Please contact us if you have other access queries.

Send us a message via our contact page and we'll do our best to answer.