THE Times Cheltenham Science Festival returns this year, promising the ultimate venue for discovery, debate and hands-on fun.

The event will see Cheltenham Town Hall and Imperial Gardens full of life and colour from June 7 to 12.

The popular Discover Zone returns to the main hall with demonstrations and interactive exhibitions offering inspiration for all ages and, for the first time, the festival also welcomes an adult-only interactive space in Area 42. This will be the place to experience the very latest technology – not yet on the market and on public display for the first time here.

Other brilliant new additions include hands-on action in the Lego Education Zone and the chance to get up close with the stars of BBC Science.

The feast of free events, surprising additions and family friendly entertainment ensure that the 2011 festival is a relaxed, enjoyable and inspiring way to spend the day in Cheltenham.

2011 marks the tenth Cheltenham Science Festival, and the festival gets in the party spirit with more eXplosive, eXciting and mind-eXpanding events than ever before with the festival theme of ‘X’.

The theme has inspired a series of events exploring of all things X-related – from X-men to X chromosomes. The programme looks back over the past 10 years as it delves into the advances in science since the first festival in 2002 – and looks ahead to the science of the future with cutting edge research and debates.

Some of the stellar scientists making the line-up are physicist Brian Cox, Robert Winston, anatomist and star of Coast Alice Roberts, comedian Robin Ince and writer and comedian Mark Steel in a one-off Cheltenham exclusive.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 01242 505 444, in person from the new CF Box Office on the first floor of Regent Arcade, or online at cheltenhamfestivals.com