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Thousands of students celebrated UCL’s 200th birthday with us earlier this year, at our Summer Festival and the opening Illuminations - and there's still plenty to come. An original student-produced musical, an International Festival and an epic closing event at UCL East.
For those of you new to UCL this year, or anyone who needs a reminder, 2026 marks 200 years since UCL was founded as London’s first university. Since February we’ve been celebrating our Bicentenary and sharing what makes UCL unique: past, present and future.
Experience a musical 200 years in the making
UCL! The Musical
Two hundred years of history. One catastrophic mistake. Twenty-four hours to save UCL.
Created and performed entirely by UCL students and recent alumni, UCL! The Musical is one of the most ambitious student-led projects of our bicentenary year. Together, we're bringing two centuries of UCL history to life in our iconic (student-led!) Bloomsbury Theatre, through original songs, tap-dancing Jeremy Benthams and a race against time to save the future of our university. It's a UCL200 celebration you won't want to miss!
You can catch UCL! The Musical at the Bloomsbury Theatre from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 November. Make sure to pick up your official merch, available online or in The Hanger at 25 Gordon Street.
Celebrate our global community
International Festival
UCL has always been shaped by people from around the world, and our International Festival is a chance to celebrate that global community.
We're bringing together our community to take part in workshops, watch society led performances, try different cuisines from around the globe, have fun with new activities, and much more. There'll be plenty of chances to share your own culture and enjoy the festival atmosphere right here in Bloomsbury.
As part of International Festival, we'll be launching our Students of UCL Exhibition in the observatory. This rotating exhibition will showcase the stories of UCL students, celebrating the diverse experiences, perspectives, and journeys that make up our university community.
Our second exhibition focuses on International Students, highlighting the voices and experiences of students who have travelled from around the world to study at UCL.
Raise a glass to 200 years
UCaLe – 200 years of hops and dreams.
Created especially for UCL200, UCaLe is a special bicentenary beer developed by UCL alumnus Jack Hobday and Bermondsey brewery Anspach & Hobday. Inspired by London's brewing heritage, it's a unique example of how alumni, students and the wider UCL community are helping celebrate this milestone year!
UCaLe is available to enjoy at our Institute Bar, and can be purchased at The Hanger, 25 Gordon Street.
Not a beer drinker? Celebrate UCL200 with our Bicentenary Blend - available in our Students’ Union cafés across campus (or buy a bag to take home with you).
Get active during our Bicentenary
Our TeamUCL Gym Challenge
We’re celebrating UCL's 200th anniversary through a series of 200-themed fitness challenges. Through our TeamUCL Gym Challenge: ‘UCL200 Active’, you'll be able to participate at your own pace, individually or as part of a team. Alongside the fitness challenges, TeamUCL Gym will be hosting two Gym Social Evenings, giving you the opportunity to meet others in a relaxed environment and take part in challenges together.
End the year in style
UCL Horizons
On 2 December, join us at our East campus for UCL Horizons, as we come together for the spectacular finale to UCL’s bicentennial year and mark the beginning of our third century.
Guests will be among the first to experience of Helios, a breathtaking 9-metre artistic centrepiece of the sun to hang above the atrium of Marshgate, accompanied by a light show by specially commissioned performances by BBC Symphony Chorus, Sadler’s Wells Academy Breakin’ Convention and the Pandemonium Drummers.
Following the performance, the building will be transformed into a hub of scientific exploration, creativity and imagination, featuring immersive installations, hands-on activities, a festive market and a Club Zone for DJs and dancing.
