Lego Forensics

Step into our hands-on LEGO Forensics workshops, where imagination meets investigation. Using LEGO crime scenes, participants will work like real forensic scientists to analyse clues, spot evidence, and piece together what happened.

From mysterious disappearances to puzzling break-ins, every scene tells a story. You’ll examine footwear marks, reconstruct events, and collaborate with others to solve each case. It’s creative, curious, and just the right amount of challenging.

Perfect for young detectives, budding scientists, and anyone who loves building and problem-solving, these sessions blend storytelling, science, and play in a totally unique way. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and a sharp eye for detail.

SPVIDZ

The way music genres evolve is often shaped by the tools used to create them. The original Roland SP-404 dropped in 2005 and, thanks to newer versions, is still going strong in 2026.

It played a key role in shaping the hazier, ‘lazier’ edges of lo-fi hip hop. We’re especially into artists from the L.A. beat scene like Flying Lotus, Ras G and Thundercat. That “lazy” feel comes from the SP-404’s resampling workflow — less precise than sequencing, more live pad hitting, and embracing the imperfections.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, you’re in luck. The legendary SP-404 wizard SPVIDZ will be running drop-in sessions to get you started. Niche? Maybe. But for some of us, this is about as exciting as it gets.

Synth Shed - Build An 808 Bass Drum

For 2026 we welcome back The Synth Shed, purveyors of hands-on sonic tinkering and gentle electronic enlightenment. This year they’re not messing about — diving straight into recreating the bass drum sounds of the iconic Roland TR-808 and Roland TR-606. Proper stuff. The kind of low-end that’s underpinned more tracks than we could reasonably list here.

You’ll build your own version from scratch, housed neatly inside a custom Deer Shed-branded mint tin (as all great instruments should be), complete with a trigger button and a pair of headphones so you can really get acquainted with the bottom end. No prior experience required - Simon from The Synth Shed will guide you through it all step by step, bringing things to life as you go and making the whole process feel far less mysterious than it has any right to.

A fun, creative session where you’ll learn something new and head off with your very own bass drum circuit. This workshop sold out fast last year so please do secure your place by pre-booking on the link below.

Pre-Book Here!!

DJ School UK

There are various things you can do with vinyl, but by far the most exciting and rewarding (according to me) is learning to scratch!

Scratching was developed by early hip-hop DJs from New York such as Grand Wizard Theodore and DJ Grandmaster Flash and it has come a long way since. The masterful DJ School UK invite you to take your first (or second or third) steps into the world of scratching - learn the baby scratch, chirp scratch, drag scratch and many more!

And what better excuse to point you to one of our favourite albums of the moment Paul's Boutique by the Beastie Boys (which is scratch-tastic).

Mylar Melodies

Like DivKid, Mylar Melodies is a long-time friend of the festival, on a mission to get you making your own music.

Known for his deep dives into modular synthesis and hands-on music-making, Mylar has built a loyal following through his YouTube channel—where complex ideas are broken down into something genuinely inviting and playable. His work often focuses on improvisation, live systems, and getting the most out of gear without overthinking it.

Whether exploring cutting-edge modular setups or championing more accessible, entry-level tools, his approach is always the same: learn by doing, trust your ears, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Across the weekend, Alex and friends will be running informal, drop-in sessions—perfect for anyone curious about synths, sound, or just making a bit of noise. No prior knowledge needed, just a willingness to have a go. Come say hello, twist some knobs, and see where it takes you.

DivKid

Ben Wilson—AKA DivKid—is a long-standing friend of the festival and a true science tent veteran.

You might expect a science tent at a music festival to lean into music production—and you’d be absolutely right. Ben is a sound designer, producer and composer who has carved out a major presence in the world of Eurorack modular synthesis. Through his widely respected YouTube channel, he’s spent years demystifying complex gear, working closely with manufacturers to explore, demo and even co-design new instruments.

Beyond videos, Ben is deeply embedded in the global modular community—running workshops, collaborating on module design, and helping shape how people learn and engage with synthesis today. His approach is practical, playful and rooted in exploration: less about rules, more about discovering what happens when you start patching.

Join Ben and friends in our music production area for hands-on sessions, sonic experimentation, and plenty of inspiration—whether you’re just curious or already halfway down the modular rabbit hole.

Loula Yorke

Loula Yorke joins us on Friday evening for a special session alongside Mylar and DivKid, bringing her distinctive approach to modular synthesis into the mix.

Known for blending experimental electronics with rich, emotive textures, Loula’s work explores the more expressive side of modular—where sound design meets storytelling. Her performances and recordings often balance precision with spontaneity, drawing out evolving soundscapes that feel both intricate and alive.

In this session, Loula will share some of her techniques and creative approaches, offering insight into how she shapes and performs with modular systems in real time. Expect an inspiring deep dive into sound, texture, and process—perfect for anyone curious about pushing modular beyond the technical and into the truly musical.

Retro Gaming

Another festival favourite we’re going big on this year.

Thanks to the very kind donation of a vintage Dragon 32, we’ve gone down the rabbit hole—tracking down even more retro consoles and proper old-school tellies (all fully PAT tested, don’t worry).

We’re aiming for a line-up of at least ten machines, spanning generations—from the legendary Atari 2600 through to the original PlayStation. And yes, we’re open to requests…

It’s fast becoming a bit of a thing.

Step up, pick a controller, and relive the golden age of gaming—or attempt, once again, to convince your kids that games really were better back in the day. Good luck with that.

Escape Boxes

The centrepiece of our 2026 theme, Into The Labyrinth, leans heavily on our collective love of escape rooms.

If you’re a fan of immersive puzzle-solving, you’ll no doubt take on our large-scale challenges hidden within the giant maze. But that’s not all—we’ll also be bringing back our much-loved escape box experiences.

Originally custom-built for us, these clever contraptions are getting an upgrade. We’re doubling down for 2026 with brand new boxes, packed with fresh puzzles and devious twists.

Inspired by the best escape rooms, it’s simple: break in, break out—it’s the same thrill either way. Using logic, observation, perception, and a bit of lateral thinking, you’ll need to unlock their secrets piece by piece. They’re cunning, surprising, and deeply satisfying to solve—proper brain-twisters in the best possible way.

Noisy Toys

After a standout debut last year, NoisyToys return to Deer Shed with something very special in tow.

Introducing the Acousatron.

Part instrument, part installation, this curious sonic machine invites you to explore the strange and wonderful behaviour of sound in a completely hands-on way. Built from an eclectic mix of audio components, it transforms simple actions into rich, unexpected noises and textures.

Twist, tap, trigger and experiment—there are no wrong moves, just new discoveries.

Expect a playful, immersive space where sound becomes something you can physically explore. Equal parts science, music, and mischief, the Acousatron is an open invitation to get stuck in and see (and hear) what happens.

Gizmobots

In Mark's own words - "As a 5 y/o boy, I used to get cogs and clock parts from my clock repairing dad and scrap off my bin man uncle. Me and my dad would sit at the kitchen table and make rockets and robots and mad vehicles out of the stuff. 40 years later I turned it into my business, Gizmobots, making robot sculptures out of found objects. Some are just sculptures, whilst others have a function such as being a lamp or a music player.

Alongside making robots, I like the idea of passing on my skills to future generations, and, as such, I will be providing robot building workshops at the festival." Ace.

Madlab

Being able to solder is a genuinely useful skill—and the good news is, it’s not as tricky as you might think.

To get you started, we’ve got the ever-enthusiastic MadLab Electronic Kits on hand to show you the ropes.

MadLab specialise in inventive, hands-on electronic kits that you build yourself, turning simple components into brilliant, working gadgets. From lie detectors to electronic bagpipes (yes, really), there’s something for every budget and ability level.

Whether you’re picking up a soldering iron for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, their guided sessions will have you building, learning, and taking something home with you.

A perfect mix of practical skill, creativity, and a little bit of magic.

VR

Put a telly on your nose—that’s virtual reality to you and me.

After twenty years of being a thing, VR is now something you can actually get your hands (and head) on. Slip on a headset, channel your inner Daft Punk, and prepare for your brain to do a double take.

Walk through space, peer over the edge of impossible heights, or dive into entirely new worlds—all without leaving the safe confines of the Deer Shed science tent.

It’s strange, brilliant, slightly disorienting… and absolutely worth a go.