Young people from across Norfolk are being offered the opportunity to enjoy professional science shows, and even share a stage with the BBC One Show's resident scientist, Dr Marty Jopson, at the Norwich Science Festival this autumn.

Teachers, youth leaders and parents are being urged to book groups in early for the free Science Festival Learning Programme, which includes top-class science shows, hands-on activities, messy experiments and scientific discoveries.

The first city-wide Science Festival takes place from 18-30 October 2016 and will celebrate Norwich as a world-class city of science. Organised by The Forum, with the support of many partner organisations, the two week festival is a chance for all ages to enjoy talks, exhibitions and family-focused activities.

Booking is now open for teachers and youth leaders to bring groups of young people to the Science Stage Show Experience, being held from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 October on two sites – The Forum and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, which is next door to The Forum.

There are places available for primary and secondary schools (Key Stage 2: year 6 only and Key Stage 3/4) and places on the dedicated twilight evening shows for home educated learners and Scout and Guide groups.

The shows will feature either Dr Marty Jopson or Steve Allman, who will perform alongside Norfolk secondary school STEM Groups (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), who will deliver their own scientific research and ideas to a large audience of young people. This is a great opportunity for local students to communicate their passion for science to their peers and the public.

Sarah Power, The Forum's Learning and Events Manager said: 'There's so much to explore, discover and thrill our young learners during the Norwich Science Festival Learning Programme. It's bursting with explosive demos, hands-on activities and plenty of scientific surprises. It really is a true celebration of science and a valuable opportunity to inspire young people to become our county's new generation of pioneering scientists.'

To book your group visit, or to secure a place for your secondary school STEM Group on the Science stage, please contact sarah.power@theforumnorwich.co.uk.

Full details of the Learning Programme, plus details on how to book, can be found on the Norwich Science Festival website www.norwichsciencefestival.co.uk.