Budding boffins will be able to build robots and watch some truly “electrifying” shows at the 2013 Otley Science Festival.

BBC TV wildlife presenter Mike Dilger will also give a behind-the-scenes insight into his work when he addresses the week-long event, which starts on Sunday, November 3.

Dilger’s talk will take place at Otley Courthouse – the festival’s hub – at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 9, and festival organiser and TV scientist Marty Jopson is looking forward to it.

He said: “It’s sure to be an entertaining evening.

“As well as being a knowledgeable enthusiast about the natural world, Mike has also held the world record for having the most snails on the face in one minute – 37!”

Other attractions will include a screening of hit movie Wall-E, preceded by a workshop which challenges children to build a robot from recycled material. It runs from 10am to 2pm on the opening day.

More youngster-focused fun will take place from 9.30am to 10.30am on Monday, November 4, with Silly Science Toddler Time, followed at 7.30pm by Dr Jopson conducting some literally hair-raising experiments when he presents Zap, Crackle and Pop, a history of electricity.

A Bonfire Night special Science Cafe, focusing on fireworks, takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 5, and a 12.30pm to 2pm Science Lunch the following day will feature a talk about the Northern Lights, aurora borealis, by Professor Jim Wild.

Dr Jopson said: “These mysterious lights in the polar skies have fascinated people for millennia, and they still fascinate researchers. Come along, have a delicious Courthouse lunch and find out why.”

Other events will include a talk on the science of food by TV “gastronaut” Stefan Gates and an informative comedy show, Robot Woman of Tomorrow, by Helen Keen.

The festival’s final day will feature a free, day-long Science Fair when the Courthouse will be packed with demonstration stalls, experiments and gadgets between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, November 9.

For more details about any of the activities, or to book tickets or places, call the Courthouse on (01943) 467466 or visit otleycourthouse.org.uk or otley sciencefestival.co.uk.