Details have been released of the first Bradford Science Festival, which is to be held in the city this autumn.

Space Connections, organisers of the event, have announced it will take place from Wednesday, October 17, and finish the following Sunday, with the first three days expecting to attract more than 4,500 young people.

The public will then be able to attend at the weekend to take part in the science-based challenges and workshops at the event, organised following the successful impact in the city of the British Science Festival last September.

Space Connections, now based at the new Inspire Bradford business park in Eccleshill, Bradford, works with schools all over the country.

Its team uses activities related to space exploration to encourage young people to study science, technology, engineering and maths.

Helen Barraclough, director of the Space Connections programme, said: “Britain needs more aspirational, innovative young people to choose careers which demand strong scientific, engineering or mathematical knowledge.

“Ultimately we aim to establish Bradford as a hub for the country’s young scientists and engineers of the future, boosting both the regional and national economies.

“Bradford’s first science festival will stimulate the curiosity and imagination of young people, encouraging them to take up science, technology, engineering and maths subjects in secondary school and when they move on to college or university.” Co-hosted by Bradford University and Bradford College, this attracted more than 4,500 young people to over 100 workshops across the city and is likely to return to Bradford in 2016.

Adopting the theme ‘Science Fiction, Science Fact, Science Future’, October’s festival will be delivered in partnership with Bradford College, Bradford Council, Fabric, The National Media Museum, BASF, Participate Projects and the University of Bradford.

Activities already planned include a primary school challenge to develop a machine run by solar, wind or water power, a science writing challenge run through local libraries and a science journalism competition in colleges and schools.

Meanwhile, Cafe Scientifique will offer people a daily opportunity to put their questions about science to eminent engineers and scientists.

The festival will also encourage community groups across the district to host a challenge or workshop during the family weekend.