TV star, chemist and Professor of Public Understanding of Science at the University of Brighton Professor Hal will give explosive chemistry demonstrations. His show includes using carbon dioxide to start a fire, blowing up a dustbin and an exploding ostrich egg.

Two huge exhibition areas will allow students to fuse with the Welding Institute as they demonstrate welding with chocolate, while Babcock International Group will introduce Oscar the Robot as he shares his insights from the world of robotics. Other high profile local exhibitors include the Darwin Today Exhibition, the Met Office with their Blue Screen TV Weather Studio, Solar Car Racing, Big Bugs, Lego Education, Flybe, Careers South West Ltd and the National Marine Aquarium. The University of Exeter and other South West universities will platform world-class research and STEM courses.

The event will also showcase STEM projects designed and undertaken by SW school students. Over two hundred student competitors will be competing in the regional heats of the Young Engineer for Britain Competition, National Science & Engineering Competition, the Regional CREST Awards and STEM Club competition. STEMNET's STEM Ambassadors will lead the judging.

Chief Executive of Careers South West Ltd Jenny Rudge said: "This event gives our young people the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the real excitement that lies at the heart of UK science, technology and engineering. It shows them that we are on the cutting edge of world development. It gives them a certainty that they can be part of that dynamic future."

Partnership Manager of Devon Education Business Partnership (CSW Ltd) Deborah Waddell said "The Big Bang South West is the largest it has ever been. We have more students, more exhibitors and more shows than ever before. The event whilst looking to be great fun will also provide a platform for talented young people from the region to showcase their work. It will allow our young people to gain recognition and reward for their efforts as well as the chance to compete at a national level and beyond."

University of Exeter Outreach Manager Emma Stephenson said: "We are proud to be hosting this prestigious regional event at the University. We are dedicated to sharing our world-class research and enthusiasm for STEM subjects with young people. I hope this wonderful event will inspire some of them to consider becoming scientists, engineers or mathematicians and we would love to see some of them studying with us in the future."

Open to 11-18 year olds, the event is organised by Devon Education Business Partnership and supported by the University of Exeter and Devon County Council