Tag Archives: Matthew Tosh

Le Maitre to sponsor flagship science show

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Le Maitre logoMatthew Tosh is delighted to announce that Le Maitre Ltd will be sponsoring a flagship charity science show during British Science Week (13-22 March). The show has been commissioned by the British Science Association (BSA) and Kids Company in association with the Science Museum.

Matthew was asked to produce a show that is a first introduction to the fun, creativity and wonder of science for children who wouldn’t have access to such opportunities. Known for his enthusiastic and engaging style, both with and without pyrotechnics, Matthew is thrilled to be able to help.

A range of effects from UK manufacturer Le Maitre will be used in the show to demonstrate exciting science in action and, in true Matthew style, he has a few tricks up his sleeves.
Matthew with VS flares“One of my aims is to allow audiences to appreciate the broader aspects of science and the skills you get from studying the STEM subjects at school. Many of these skills are used throughout the live events, stunts and entertainment industry, which can so easily be overlooked.”

“2015 is the International Year of Light, and so it is only natural that I should want to include the vibrant colours that Le Maitre pyrotechnics offer, especially with their terrific “VS – virtually smokeless” range.”

Le Maitre Virtually Smokeless logo

“Le Maitre is delighted to be supporting British Science Week at the Science Museum by providing pyrotechnics for the show. We have worked with Matthew on several occasions and he has a great way of getting kids excited about science. The children from Kids Company are in for a treat!” Says Sally Dobinson, Marketing Manager, Le Maitre Ltd.

Matthew will present the show to over 400 children from Kids Company’s London schools programme. Kids Company is a children’s charity that provides emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people.

The BSA is organising the event for British Science Week in partnership with the Science Museum. The BSA wants to increase and diversify the amount of people who participate in and enjoy science.

Matthew added: “Even if you don’t go on to study science beyond school, I want to ensure that people are excited and comfortable by science in use around them.”

Cheltenham Science Festival

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Writing and interpreting risk assessments, understanding safety distances, the handling and storage of dangerous goods… this is all bread and butter language and procedure for pyrotechnicians as we go about our work. However, there are times when an event organiser, venue manager or production company may not have the relevant in-house specialist knowledge, particularly when working with hot flames, sparks and explosions.

Venue CAD drawing exampleIn the months and weeks leading up to an event, organisers want to understand the nature of the stage sets and stunts being planned. They seek assurance to be confident that the risk assessments are robust and cover the relevant areas and eventualities. Having access to specialist knowledge is vital. This is one of the reasons that the Cheltenham Science Festival production team approached Matthew Tosh; asking him to come on board as a consultant for the 2014 six-day festival.

Matthew will be providing pre and live event support for the shows and awards ceremonies that involve so-called higher-risk stunts, tricks and demonstrations. He brings over eight years of combined pyrotechnics and live science presenting expertise to the Cheltenham team.

High-profile science shows are incorporating more close proximity pyrotechnic and explosive effects to show off particular science principles, as well as enhancing the dramatic and visual aspect. These require an understanding of how the materials perform, detailed risk assessments and robust rigging techniques. A specialist eye also helps give organisers the confidence that safe rigging, storage and set-up procedures are being followed, particularly if any on-site changes or material substitutions need to be made at short notice.

The Times Cheltenham Science Festival runs from 3rd to 8th June 2014. You can find out more and what’s on here.

Countdown to The Big Bang 2014

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It’s almost here! From the 13 – 16th March 2014, The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair will pitch up to The NEC, Birmingham, to host the UK’s largest celebration of science and engineering for young people. Organisers aim to welcome around 75,000 people to the free science and engineering extravaganza, and Matthew is standing by to unleash his pyrotechnic wizardry at the event.

Book now for The Big Bang 2014

Matthew is no stranger to The Big Bang, having judged and moderated CREST projects and National Science and Engineering Competition entries for the past three years. Prior to that, he was involved in organising the event and helping STEM Clubs to exhibit. This year marks a significant change for Matthew, as he brings a stage show to the four day event and shares his passion for STEM and the performing arts.

“I’m really excited to be presenting this year. It’s an amazing event and showcases a whole range of projects, inventions and careers in which the STEM subjects are used. It really opens the eyes of young people to what is possible and why those subjects are so important at school.” says Matthew, who will be demonstrating how STEM subjects are used to create spectacular firework displays around the world.

Skyburst logoMatthew’s stage shows at The Big Bang have been made possible thanks to generous support from Bristol-based Skyburst The Firework Co.

With a glint in his eye, Matthew added “The NEC ceiling is much higher than most venues, which gives me more scope for demonstrating larger pyrotechnic effects and the science behind them.”

Anyone prepared to sit in the front row?

The Fair hosts an astounding array of activities and live performances, with the first two days open to school groups and Saturday and Sunday open to families.

It’s completely free to attend, but places are going fast so register now to avoid missing out, at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk.