From space dogs, Lego creating and animal top trumps to food, medicine, conservation, and forensic psychology – this year’s Norwich Science Festival has it all

Featuring world leaders in conservation and genetics and experts in all manner of creepy and cute creatures, marine microbes, astronomy, health and climate change, the Norwich Science Festival will mesmerise, amaze, educate and entertain.

This year's programme features over 180 events packed with talks, hands-on workshops, exhibits, family shows, adult only nights and more.

Whatever your age, from two to 102, there is the chance to learn more about science and take part in experiments in a fun, engaging and thought-provoking way.

Headline speaker at this year's festival is Dr Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, who is famed for her work studying the wild chimpanzees of western Tanzania.

That study has been going on for almost 60 years, and Dr Goodall has dedicated her life to understanding animal behaviour, promoting conservation and encouraging every new generation to think about the environment and its habitats.

Her lecture Reasons for Hope will see her in conversation with festival patron and evolutionary biologist, Professor Ben Garrod, who lives in Norfolk, discussing the work of the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots, the global programme empowering young people of all ages in more than 50 countries to make their world a better place.

Natalie Bailey, festival producer, said: "It's an absolute honour to host the inspirational and revered conservationist Dr Jane Goodall at this year's Norwich Science Festival. She has inspired generations to learn about our wonderful world and throughout the UK there are groups of Roots & Shoots students making a difference on a daily basis."

This year's festival will also feature a special adults-only kid-free science late event, Science After Six, with cocktails, music and hands-on science, scientific comedy, edible grubs and insects, rap science, a battle of the organs, the journey of food and more.

Other highlights see talks with Adam Kay, junior doctor turned comic and writer of best selling book This is Going To Hurt; film maker and presenter of CBeebies' Do You Know Maddie Moat; Norfolk based vet, writer and broadcaster Dr Jess French; Prof Robert Winston; geneticist and television presenter Dr Giles Yeo and new science festival patron Lizzie Daly.

The festival is coordinated by The Forum and a partnership of organisations and institutions, including Norwich Research Park and the University of East Anglia.

The Norwich Science Festival runs from October 18 to 26 across the city. For a full programme and ticket information see norwichsciencefestival.co.uk