SCIENCE is set to get messy at Stretford Mall this summer, when the centre hosts a series of free ‘Silly Scientist’ kids’ clubs throughout the school holidays.

The series of six weekly ‘training schools’ will feature everything from building rockets and how hovercrafts work to crazy chemistry experiments and how candy floss is made. There is also the chance for one lucky youngster to become the first ever Little Stretford Scientist, with some fantastically fun science kits up for grabs.

Slime will take centre stage at the first Silly Scientist club on Thursday, July 28, when youngsters will be trying to get to grips with the 'ooey gooey' stuff. Alongside the slime, children of all ages will be able to see things smoke, bubble and boil when the Mall’s own Silly Scientists put on their live chemistry shows.

Stretford Mall centre manager, Gareth Wilkins, said he couldn’t wait to see what messy creations come out of the clubs.

“We’re really looking forward to our summer of science,” said Gareth. “We love putting on events for children at the centre and with it being such an interesting and important year for science - particularly with Manchester being the European City of Science in 2016 - we wanted to hold a kids’ club with a twist.

“We’ve got a whole host of free fun activities taking place throughout the summer holidays,” said Gareth. “Anyone who comes to three Silly Scientist training schools and gets stamps on their special membership card will also automatically be entered into a prize draw to become our first ever Little Stretford Scientist. As well as winning the title, they’ll receive their very own special lab coat and a selection of science experiment kits.”

The Silly Scientist kids’ clubs will take place at Stretford Mall every Thursday throughout the summer holidays, from July 28 to September 1. With a different theme each week, the club will run from 11am to 3pm each day and is completely free.