A behind the scenes tour of Glass Futures, held as part of the 2026 International Festival of Glass

Join Glass Futures for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the Global Centre of Excellence in St Helens. Visitors will explore one of the world's most advanced facilities dedicated to glass and materials innovation, including the pilot-scale furnace, digital manufacturing systems and research areas supporting decarbonisation and next-generation production technologies. The tour will provide insight into how industry, academia and government collaborate to accelerate sustainable manufacturing with cutting-edge glass research and development at industrial scale. Questions are encouraged throughout, making this an engaging experience for anyone interested in innovation, sustainability and glassmaking.

Good to know:

Visitors must wear the PPE provided where required.

Closed-toe, flat shoes are recommended.

Photography may be restricted in certain operational or research areas; please check with Glass Futures staff on the day before taking photographs.

The tour includes walking through a large industrial facility and periods of standing.

Some areas may involve stairs, although accessible routes are available where possible.

Visitors should follow all instructions from Glass Futures staff at all times.

Anyone with accessibility requirements is encouraged to notify organisers in advance so suitable arrangements can be made.

Free, but booking required.

This event is being held as part of the 2026 International Festival of Glass, organised by the Glass Art Society and with support from Arts Council Engalnd.

Description supplied by the event organiser.