Get ready for five days of colour, culture, creativity and connection.
WorldFest 2026 is taking over campus, and whether you’re into food, fashion, quizzes, sport, sustainability, or simply meeting new people, there’s something for everyone.
From cultural quizzes to student society takeovers, sustainability swaps, and the iconic Colour Run, this is your chance to experience the world without leaving campus.
We are finishing the week with the much-loved Iftar Dinner.
What is WorldFest?
WorldFest is the University’s annual celebration of cultural diversity, created with students, for students.
It’s rooted in belonging, and shaped by shared experiences. Students, societies, departments and teams from across the University come together to create a week that reflects the global Kent community. This isn’t just a programme of events, it’s your space to connect, celebrate and try something new.
What’s Happening This Year?
You can find full event listings on our student events page and WorldFest Calendar at the end of the blog, but here are some activities not to miss:
All Week: The WorldFest Scavenger Hunt
Take on the WorldFest Scavenger Hunt which launches on Monday and runs throughout the week. Find all the clues to be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher. Look out for Cultural pop-ups around campus, WorldFest menu specials in campus venues and surprise moments of global celebration.
Your mission starts at Nexus – where on Tuesday we launch…
Launch of Nex-US International
Tuesday 3 March | 15:00-16:00 | Nexus, Templeman Library
We’re proud to launch Nex-US International, a brand-new, student-led initiative shaped by the International Student Advisory Board. This welcoming drop-in space is designed especially for international students to:
- Connect with others
- Ask questions
- Build confidence
- Share experiences and feel part of the community
It’s informal, supportive, and the start of something we hope will become a regular part of the University Calendar.
If you’re looking to connect, this is the place to start.
The Big Kent Culture Quiz
Wednesday 4 March 12:00-14:00 | Gulbenkian Café
Think you know your global facts? Grab your friends and join us for the Big Kent Culture Quiz, an afternoon of culture, competition and free food.
Expect:
- Lively quiz rounds
- Performances from Kent Student Societies
- Great atmosphere in the Gulbenkian Cafe
- A few surprises along the way
Free to attend, but spaces are limited, so sign up early.
We’ll also be launching the student-led Postcard Project (in collaboration with Kent’s 60th Anniversary), showcasing how the University has evolved since the 1960s.
Sustainability Takeover at Parky’s
Thursday 5 March | 10:00-16:00 | Woodlands
Thrift. Swap. Save.
Our Sustainability Student Society is taking over Parky’s (Kent’s own charity shop). Come along for preloved fashion finds, sustainable style tips, and soulful sounds by the DJ Society. There will be free refreshments and sweet treats available.
Sign up online for a discount off of your purchase, and bring your own cup to be entered into a prize draw to win a voucher worth £25.
Experience Your Culture
Thursday 5 March | 18:00-21:00 | Venue TBC
Stories. Identity. Laughter. Perspective.
Led by our Student Global Officers, this is where stories take centre stage. Experience Your Culture is an evening of fast-paced Pecha Kucha style presentations where students share powerful snapshots of their culture, identity and lived experience, all in just a few minutes. Sign up and take the stage yourself for a chance to win £50.
Whether you’re on stage or in the audience, this is one of the most personal and memorable events of the week.
Feel-Good Finale
Friday 6 March
We’re ending the week strong with:
- Future Ready: Clothes Swap (10:00-16:00) – Refresh your wardrobe sustainably.
- Language Taster Classes (running 10:00-15:00) – Try something new, from beginner basics to useful phrases. Classes in Japanese, Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, German, Spanish and French.
- ResLife Iftar Dinner + Movie Night – Break your fast together at the Iftar Dinner and wind down the week with ResLife’s relaxed movie night.
Community. Reflection. Celebration.
There’s Something for Everyone
WorldFest isn’t about doing everything. It’s about finding your moment in the week.
Try something new. Cheer someone on. Taste something different. Start a conversation.
Because this is what a global community looks like.
Check out the full student events page and WorldFest Calendar below so you don’t miss a thing.
See you there
If you have any questions or need any further information email Globalexperience@kent.ac.uk.
