THIS year’s Cheltenham Science Festival, from June 6 to 11, includes an innovative programme based around the science of sound.

Kicking off on Tuesday, salsa teacher Jamie Gallagher makes a fun start with ‘Strictly Coming Sciencing,’ while wine philosopher Barry Smith demonstrates how music has a profound effect on the taste of champagne on Thursday.

Other highlights include Alice Roberts exploring the evolutionary origins of music with cognitive archaeologist Steven Mithen in ‘The Singing Neanderthals’ on Friday at 2.15pm. Percussionist Evelyn Glennie will then perform her inspirational ‘Sounds of Science’ show at 7pm – an audio narrative revealing the awe-inspiring story of how humans have changed the world.

At 7pm on Sunday, mathematician Marcus du Sautoy will illustrate the symmetry of sound as he recreates the visually captivating experiment Ernst Chladni once toured around the 19th century courts of Europe.

As well as many more sound-related shows, the international cast of top scientists and performers also cover a range of other topics from trailblazing tech to the truth behind fake news.

The festival includes hands-on workshops and the chance to see some big names such as Dara Ó Briain, Alice Roberts, Dallas Campbell, Bryony Gordon and Richard Dawkins.

For the full festival programme or to buy tickets visit: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science