Invitation to Tender for Provision of  PR Services 2026 – 2028 

(with annual extension option)

Return to: info@nisciencefestival.com and sarah@nisciencefestival.com 

Return deadline: 12 noon on Thursday 23 July 2026.  

Information for Applicants

Overview

NISF is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading science festivals, delivering an extensive programme of events across Northern Ireland, engaging audiences of all ages with science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

The appointed PR partner will support the strategic promotion of the Festival, increasing audience reach, enhancing reputation, and positioning NISF as a leading voice in public engagement with science.

Contract Period

The contract will commence in September 2026 and run through to March 2028, covering the full PR campaign cycle including planning, delivery and evaluation.

Subject to successful delivery, the contract may be extended annually for up to two additional years.

Submission details

• Proposals must be submitted via email with the subject line: ‘Tender: NISF PR Services’
• Submission deadline 12 noon on Thursday 23 July 2026.  
• Submissions should include all requested documentation and not exceed 10MB.

Queries

All clarifications and questions must be submitted by email no later than Thursday 9 July at midday.  

About NI Science Festival

Northern Ireland Science Festival is a flagship cultural and educational event, typically held annually in February, featuring:

• Talks, workshops, exhibitions and performances
• Partnerships with universities, industry, and cultural organisations
• Engagement across schools, families, young people, and adult audiences
• A strong commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and regional reach

The Festival plays a key role in:

• Promoting STEAM skills and careers
• Supporting public understanding of science
• Showcasing Northern Ireland as a hub of innovation

The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.

During the day, the festival offers a range of workshops, tours talks and interactive activities for people of all ages. In the evening we present an eclectic mix of experiential events including scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music, and film for adults and much more.

Our target audience

With events during the day for a younger audience, in the evenings for an older demographic and the weekends catering to families, the festival will be targeted at a broad spectrum and our press coverage should reflect this.  As well as targeting publications aimed at families, daily national press and local press, we hope to receive coverage in business and industry publications.  

Scope of services required

The successful candidate/agency will be required to deliver the following tasks:

• Produce and deliver an integrated Press and PR strategy for the 2027 Festival that increases media coverage in Belfast, NI, UK and ROI and internationally.
• Drafting and issuing regular media releases to national and local newspapers, business press, on-line media and, where appropriate, radio and television 
• Generate PR/editorial interest with wider media and mainstream press including regional, national and international media, local radio, local television and national networks using press releases, previews, editorials, briefings and features in conjunction with partners.
• Work to develop media partnerships for the 2027 Festival.
• Liaise closely with funders and stakeholders to ensure their communication objectives are met.
• Manage press enquiries during the festival
• Be creative and innovative in their approach with activity that reaches the identified target audiences
• Monitor and report on all media coverage summarised with a written report at the end of the festival. 
• Coordinate arrangements for tickets for journalists and media representatives at selected events.
• Provide regular press updates during the Festival period  
• Collate a post event Press and PR review with clippings for all stakeholders.

Timescales and key milestones

There will be a number of key milestones where we will require support.  These include:

• Mid December 2026 – The official press launch of the full programme of the festival
• Jan – Feb 2027 – Draft and issue press releases to local press to highlight events in each council area.  Pitch press interviews and pieces with speakers to highlight individual events at the Festival; 
• 10th February – 4 March 2027 – Various press during the festival itself, particularly on the larger events in the programme.  

Your submission

Applicants must provide evidence that they meet the following requirements and provide examples:

• Experience of producing Press and PR campaigns for Festivals/events
• In-depth working knowledge and experience of working with STEM organisations 
• Be sufficiently experienced to ensure this brief is delivered on time and to budget

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills and expertise
• Excellent team working and collaborative skills
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Experience of problem solving and complaint handling.

Applicants must also:

• Be willing to undertake ‘off-duty’ working hours
• Have access to own transport

Please include the following in your submission: 

• Examples of previous work/campaigns
• Experience in Festivals/events and STEM
• A breakdown of your hourly/daily rate.

NB: The costs submitted will be fixed for the 2-year period. NI Science Festival will not accept an annual price increase without clear justification showing costs to the appointed service provider have increased. Tenderers should explain any mechanism they have in place for reviewing charges and provide details of categories of expenditure which might impact future costs.

Subject to successful contract delivery for the 2027 Festival, and agreement between the parties, the contract may be extended annually for up to a further 2 years.

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