VISITORS to this year’s festival of manufacturing and engineering will get an ‘out of this world’ experience thanks to new grants.

Festomane has been given a huge boost this year due to money from two grant funds, allowing organisers to offer an better experience including a 3D trip to the stars.

A £3,700 grant from Awards for All Lottery Fund and £1,000 from The Summerfield Trust have been awarded to the annual festival which celebrates Stroud District’s innovation and creativity.

A pop-up planetarium is part of this year’s ‘Creation & Innovation Revealed’ exhibition.

Inside the planetarium, the public will be taken on a breath-taking 360 degree 3D tour of the galaxy and universe before being returned to Earth to get involved in hands-on activities.

Attendees can meet local companies, discover the cutting-edge innovation coming out of Stroud district, and find out about job opportunities.

Stroud’s annual festival of manufacturing and engineering will take place this year from February 9-15.

The ‘Creation & Innovation Revealed’ Exhibition will be held at Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud on Wednesday, February 15.

For more details about the exhibition and the other events taking place during the festival, visit www.festomane.co.uk.