THE chance to take a tour of the universe without leaving your seat is on offer as part of this year’s Malvern Festival of Innovation Family Day.

The event takes place on Saturday, October 7, at Malvern Theatres and will see professional astrophysicist and science communicator Dr Megan Argo take visitors on a whirlwind ride through the solar system and beyond in just an hour.

It is one of two shows being performed on the day. The other involves maker, engineer, problem solver and BBC Robot Wars judge Dr Lucy Rogers, discussing the wiring of the Internet of Things.

She will be exploring all the fun, frivolous and even useful devices that can be made at home using Raspberry Pi computers.

There will also be the opportunity to learn more about attempts to 3D print chocolate, the use of drones in surveying buildings, how Raspberry Pis can control multi-coloured LEDs, and how microscopes work through a series of free hands-on exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day.

Companies exhibiting include GE Aviation and Mazak, alongside organisations such as the Institute of Physics, the University of Birmingham’s formula student racing team and Malvern Radar and Technology History Society.

The Malvern Festival of Innovation is organised by Innovate Malvern CIC and supported by Malvern Hills District Council and numerous sponsors.

Dr Adrian Burden, founder and curator of the festival, said: “Our family show this year will enthuse children and their parents about our connected planet and our extended universe. Kids need to be encouraged to become makers and inquisitive explorers. Dr Lucy Rogers and Dr Megan Argo are both fantastic role models for any budding engineer or scientist."

The day runs from 10am to 4.30pm and entry to the exhibition is free. Tickets for the shows cost £7.84 and can be booked by visiting Malvern Theatres online or calling 01684 892277.