Colchester will play host to the world's largest public science talks festival.

More than 20 scientists are expected to take to the stage at the Pint of Science Festival, taking place from May 13 to 15.

The event will bring thousands of scientists and their research out of the lab and into local pubs, cafes, and community halls.

With tickets now on sale, the festival will see the participation of more than 25 countries and hundreds of cities worldwide.

Each night will offer a variety of unique talks, demonstrations, and live experiments in a relaxed and informal environment.

Researchers from the Essex University and local specialists will speak at venues across the city, including Coda, in High Street, Three Wise Monkeys, High Street, and Other Monkey Brewing, in St Nicholas Street.

Some of the highlights include an AI debate with councillors and professors, a series of talks giving a timeline of Colchester's rich history and discussions on hormones and their catastrophic role in diseases when left unbalanced.

City coordinators this year are Tobias Boyington, and Katarina Stanka, both scientists themselves.

Mr Boyington, a senior science technician who graduated with a masters from the University of East Anglia, said: "We’re particularly excited for the first Pint of Science debate in Colchester, which will be focused on the societal Benefits vs Costs of AI.

"It’s been an incredible opportunity to combine a range of opinions, not just from an academic view but from cultural and political vantage points too.”

Ms Stanka, a masters student at Essex University, added : "We have been part of Pint of Science for a few years now.

"It is an incredible opportunity, and we hope to bring our excitement about this festival to the public."

Audience members will also be able to participate in the largest-ever multi-city pub quiz, run by interactive quiz company, KwizzBit.

Teams will tackle science-themed trivia and compete with other cities.

Joel Slinn, head of Marketing at KwizzBit, said: "We’re thrilled to be hosting a national pub quiz competition with Pint of Science for the third year running."

Pint of Science was created by Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin who wanted to bring back the personal touch to science.

Dr Paul said: "It’s fantastic to see how a simple idea between a few friends has captured people’s imaginations and pushed scientific research into the spotlight."

Tickets, priced at £5 each, are available from the Pint of Science website atpintofscience.co.uk.