THE skies the limit for young girls looking to pursue aviation and aerospace careers after attending a festival at Spaceport Cornwall.

More than 800 children visited Cornwall's TECgirls Reach for the Sky Festival, which showcased two days of hands-on aviation, aerospace and engineering activities.

The family-friendly event brought together more than 20 organisations from across Cornwall and the UK, young people the opportunity to discover careers in aviation and aerospace while meeting the people already working across the industry.

Festivalgoers had the opportunity to try out flight simulators
Festivalgoers had the opportunity to try out flight simulators

Visitors climbed aboard aircraft provided by Flynqy Pilot Training and Bodmin Flying Club, experienced Cornwall Airport's fire appliances, tried flight simulators, tackled engineering challenges and met pilots, engineers, apprentices and emergency service responders.

The event showcased two days of hands-on aviation, aerospace and engineering activities
The event showcased two days of hands-on aviation, aerospace and engineering activities

Exhibitors included the Royal Aeronautical Society, Cornwall Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, the Royal Navy, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Goonhilly, British Young Pilots, Cornwall College, Cornwall Airport, Serco and Engineered Arts.

Visitors climbed aboard aircraft provided by Flynqy Pilot Training and Bodmin Flying Club
Visitors climbed aboard aircraft provided by Flynqy Pilot Training and Bodmin Flying Club

More than 25 teenagers aged 14 to 18, including TECgirls Youth Ambassadors and RAF Air Cadets, helped deliver the event by welcoming visitors, supporting exhibitors, assisting with activities and helping hundreds of children take part.

The Reach for the Sky Festival, which is supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport, is UK’s only aviation and aerospace event dedicated to inspiring young girls.

Visitors experienced Cornwall Airport's fire appliances
Visitors experienced Cornwall Airport's fire appliances

Caitlin Gould, founder and director of TECgirls, said: "Seeing hundreds of girls enjoying the festival with their friends and families while discovering careers they may never have considered is exactly why we created Reach for the Sky.

Reach for the Skies is the UK’s only aviation and aerospace event dedicated to inspiring young girls
Reach for the Sky is the UK’s only aviation and aerospace event dedicated to inspiring young girls

“Every year we meet families who return because their daughters loved the experience so much. These opportunities matter because they help young people see that aviation, aerospace and engineering are careers where they belong. We're incredibly grateful to all of our partners, volunteers and exhibitors who made this year's festival our biggest and most inspiring yet."