Professor Pumpernickel launches Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's Summer of Discovery

The Summer of Discovery brings together science, technology, engineering, art and maths to create a packed programme of fun and creative children's activities throughout the school holidays.

Professor Pumpernickel promises to launch the programme with a bang on Tuesday (26 July), bringing with him explosions, fire, mind-bending magic and a lot of mess.

While the Professor entertains in the Percival Guildhouse Gardens, visitors can also enjoy a free preview of the Summer of Discovery sessions at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum throughout the day.

Every week during the school holidays, the Summer of Discovery offers sessions to inspire creativity and encourage children to experiment and explore.

Mini Inventor sessions promise to spark curiosity, exploring the science of rainbows, the challenges of construction and the endless possibilities of experimenting with shadows, light and colour.

The Invention Lab offers children the chance to get hands on with computer coding, stop motion animation, robotics and 3D drawing, while Science of Sculpture sessions encourage children to problem-solve by sculpting structures from a vast variety of materials, including clay, cogs and plaster bandages.

Throughout the Summer of Discovery, visitors can also join the hunt for Rugby's local heroes and inventors, with portraits of the borough's famous faces hidden away around the building.

And on Wednesday 24 August, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum welcomes science experts from the University of Warwick for a celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

The free event includes live demonstrations of science experiments and robotics, while visitors can create complex patterns with simple computer code before stitching the patterns into fabric with a digital embroidery machine.

The Summer of Discovery has been supported by a grant from the Royal Society, which works to promote science and its benefits.

Mini Inventor, Invention Lab and Science of Sculpture sessions cost £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all sessions (free admission for adults) and places must be booked in advance, either online or by calling Rugby Visitor Centre on (01788) 533217.

Cllr Howard Roberts, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for leisure and wellbeing, said: "The Summer of Discovery promises a fun-packed programme of exploration, experimentation and creativity, and we're grateful for the Royal Society's support in making it possible.

"The team at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has developed a programme which educates, engages and entertains, and we're looking forward to welcoming visitors when the Summer of Discovery begins."

To download the full Summer of Discovery programme and book places at sessions online, visit www.ragm.co.uk/holiday-activities