THE SCIENCE behind fireworks will be explored in dramatic style at Otley next month.

The 2018 Otley Science Festival gets underway on Bonfire Night - Monday, November 5 - itself and runs through to Saturday, November 10.

Among the busy programme of demonstrations and talks will be a truly explosive show by internationally-recognized pyrotechnician Matthew Tosh.

The festival organisers are promising a ‘spectacular’ time when Matthew presents Fireworks: Real Science or Just Bangs? at Otley Courthouse on Wednesday, November 7.

The show, suitable for anyone aged seven or over, starts at 7.30pm and will show how science, technology, engineering and maths help to ensure that firework displays are dramatic, accurate and safe.

Baking fans will also be catered for at this year’s festival when 2016 Great British Bake-Off finalist Andrew Smyth appears at the Courthouse on Saturday, November 10.

Andrew is an engineer and his 7.30pm show, Bakineering in Space, examines the surprising links between cake-making and everything it takes to keep astronauts safe.

Other exected festival highlights include a talk by Dr Alice Roberts on the domestication of animals and a microscopic safari led by Dr Marty Jopson.

There will also be a Science Cafe, Science Lunch, a film screening - The Shape of Water - and a free-to-enter Science Fair which runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 10.

For tickets or more details call Otley Courthouse on (01943) 467466 or visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk.

More information is also available at https://otleysciencefestival.co.uk/festival/ .