Pyrotechnics expert helps Milton Keynes students discover the fascinating science behind fireworks

Matthew – who is a physics graduate, former science teacher and television presenter - combined a lively talk with video presentations and live demonstrations of firework effects and mini explosions during his visit to St Paul’s Catholic School.

Enthralled students discovered what happens when pure oxygen is set alight, how colour is created in firework displays and how to produce a very loud bang.

Matthew also used special indoor fireworks to safely create a spectacular firework fountain and a mine which shot glittering stars into the air.

Science teacher Sukhdev Ruprai said: “Matthew was able to take our students behind the scenes at a firework display and showed them how a range of special effects are created.

“It was fascinating for them to understand the scientific background to fireworks and to realise just how much care and planning goes into creating displays.”

Matthew’s work has been seen at many fireworks displays, festivals and events including the recent City of Culture celebrations for Hull. He also created the explosive volcano effects in Aardman’s latest film, Early Man.