A unique hands on educational making event is coming to Birmingham this May, encouraging families to have a go at making things with new technologies and getting to know the science behind how things are made.

Taking place on the 18-19 May at NEC Birmingham, Makers Central is set to captivate the imaginations of visitors young and old with interactive sessions from woodworking to metalworking, electronics to leathercraft throughout the two-day event.

Over recent years there has been a decline in people studying Design and Technology, and there is a drive to reduce skills shortages in areas such as engineering and product design. The skilled and popular Makers attending the show such as YouTube making star Colin Furze will offer a chance for people to uncover the wide range of rewarding opportunities within design and technology sectors which can help to inspire the next generation of designers, engineers, and tech professionals.

Held annually, the exhibition showcases the lates tools, materials, and techniques in the world of making. The event brings together makers from all corners of the UK and beyond, offering the perfect opportunity to network, share ideas and learn from other makers.

For those eager to test their creativity, a scrap wood competition invites aspiring makers to unleash their imagination and create a unique piece using scrap wood materials, with exciting prizes up for grabs.

Johnny 5 Replica Nottingham will unveil their labour of love, a 1:1 scale replica of Johnny 5, painstakingly handcrafted over six years. This remarkable creation showcases the dedication of its creators, who taught themselves machining skills to recreate all the metal parts, resulting in a fully functional replica.

Adding to the excitement, Robot Wars Champion Apollo and Vulcan from the Chinese series King of Bots will be on display, alongside the thrilling opportunity to drive a robot in battle within the Robot Warrior arena.

One of the highlights of this year's event is the exclusive showcase brought by Coopers Classic Cars. Attendees will have the chance to feast their eyes on a stunning replica Batmobile prop, meticulously crafted to resemble the iconic vehicle from the original 1989 Batman, 1992 Batman Returns, and the recent Flash movies.

Straight from Hawkins, Indiana, fans of the hit series Stranger Things will delight in seeing the replica of Jim Hopper's police truck from the early seasons. Built on a genuine Chevy Blazer with its original Chevy 350 V8 engine, this replica is a testament to craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Tickets for Makers Central 2024 are now available, offering access to all the excitement throughout the weekend. Prices start at £25 for entry, with additional workshop experiences available at varying prices. To buy tickets, visit: makerscentral.co.uk