Get your scientist hats and get ready to unearth some surprises throughout the return of the Botanic Garden’s summer festival.

Kew’s scientists will be bringing their latest work out of the labs and holding interactive experiments and activities, for visitors at the second-ever, Kew Science Festival, from August 4-6.

After a hugely successful first year in August 2016, the festival is back with heavy schedule of activities, workshops and tours that will inspire children and adults alike.

Professor Kathy Willis, Director of Science, said: ‘The Science Festival is our chance to lift the lid on some of Kew’s extraordinary science in a fun and interactive way.

“We also hope to inspire youngsters to consider studying and building a career in science and conservation.

With more than 200 scientists and work from across the globe, the festival will celebrate the incredible plant discoveries and pioneering solution-driven science undertaken by Kew.

“Above all, we want visitors young and old to have fun and enjoy a day in the Gardens trying out all the exciting activities on offer,’ added Prof Willis.

A marquee set in front of Kew Palace will host an array of activity stations for families to get stuck in with, including close-up views of plants via microscopes, plant pressing workshops and extracting genes from vegetables at the DNA in the garden stand.

Visitors also have the chance to take part in a tour of Kew’s Herbarium, to see where around seven million plant specimens are preserved and uncover the kingdom of fungi with Kew’s mycologists.

A programme of talks on conservation topics, including the economy of plants and new plant discoveries in New Guinea, will be featured throughout the festival and explorer, Hans Sloane, will be on hand to share plant discovery stories from his travels.