YOUNGSTERS in Bury took part in a Mad Science event as part of the Manchester Science Festival.

The fun on Friday began with a 60-minute show presented by Mad Science, followed by a wacky workshop.

The two-hour extravaganza involved learning about electricity, while children were also given the chance to experiment with buzzwires and make their own slime.

A giant nerve tester and a Van de Graff machine were just some of the weird and wonderful science objects the children experimented with on the day.

Tilly Coppin, one of the two ‘mad scientists’ who turned up on the day, commended the children’s enthusiasm.

Ms Coppin, “Titanium Tilly”, said: “It was so much fun. There was such a good sense of community. The kids were brilliant throughout, and they surprised me with how knowledgeable they were.”

She said seeing the children enjoy themselves and learn at the same time was the best part of the job. She added: “It’s a huge boost for us to see the kids be so well behaved — it’s so fulfilling. They also had perfect hairstyles in the static electricity parts of the experiment.”

The event at Moorside Community Centre Parkinson Street, Bury, ensured children learnt all aspects of science and was one of more than 150 events for all ages at venues throughout Greater Manchester.

The Mad Science Out There community programme is sponsored by power generation firm Alstom and includes one-off community events.

Mike Scott of Alstom said: “We’re inviting all the family to come along and have a great time learning about how mad science can be.

“The kids will love it and the mums and dads will laugh just as hard. Best of all, it’s totally free.”