Rockets whizzed up into the air and mechanical creations whirred as the county's smallest scientists took part in an exploration of physics in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Part of Norwich Science Festival, youngsters took part in hands-on experiments and mind-boggling tasks at The Forum.

It revealed how physics shapes our world around us, from heat, light, sound and electricity, through to mechanics, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.

The Samuel family travelled from Lakenheath, in Suffolk, to take part in the day.

And 13-year-old Harriet and nine-year-old Edward had already picked what they wanted to see by circling events in the brochure at home.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

'We used to live in Norwich and we wanted to come back for it,' said mum Sandra.

Harriet, a big Doctor Who fan, was keen to attend a talk in the Forum's auditorium on the scientific secrets of the show.

Colin Wilsher, 10, came along with his dad Mark. Colin, who was working on a system of mechanics, said: 'We were going to the library and I thought this looked cool, it's brilliant.'

Maisie and Jack Chilvers were also working on the mechanics. Maisie, 10, said: 'It's really interesting, I like science because it's fun.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Dad Kevin Hedley-Chilvers said they had been coming for the last few years and the children really enjoyed themselves.

Natalie Bailey, event producer for the Norwich Science Festival, said the day had been going well.

'We've had lots of people through the door, more than 5,000,' she said. 'The idea is to showcase local science and I don't think the public are always aware some of these things are in Norwich.'

The physics day was organised in part by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Esther Mander, from the IOP, said: 'We are really keen on getting families involved in physics and getting them involved at every level. So we've put on some really exciting activities that all age groups can get involved with, it allows families to come together and learn about science.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

She said the IOP was also keen to keep girls interested. She added: 'Events like today are a great way to keep primary school children interested - it's about making sure girls stay interested in science.'

• The Norwich Science Festival runs until October 29, for more information visit www.norwichsciencefestival.co.uk

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian BurtThe Norwich Science Festival in The Forum. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)