The programme for the 24th Edinburgh International Science Festival programme was launched last Tuesday at the National Museum of Scotland.

The science festival aims to appeal to a wide audience, with activities appropriate for people of all ages and varying scientific interests.

Events will include visitors to the festival walking across hot coals and comedians performing alongside world-renowned scientists.

The festival will also feature a rare appearance from the psychological illusionist Derren Brown, who will be in conversation with Richard Wiseman about his trade.

As well as talks and lectures, the festival sees science explored through dance, comedy and music.

“The Dancing Brain” will provide a light-hearted look at the science of dance, taking place every day in the National Museum of Scotland.

The physics of DJing and computer animation will also be explored as well as a whole range of activities looking at the science of food.

Children will have the opportunity to benefit educationally from scientific stories, trails and exhibitions, including the activity “Visual-Eyes” where a giant eye teaches how the eye functions; and adventurous adults will be invited to enjoy the delights of “Fire walking” and to challenge their senses in “Sensory Dining” with comedian and broadcaster Steve Mould.

The BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory team will also be presenting free live shows in the Usher Hall and offering drop in activities on the Mound Precinct.

Among the many sport-related events, a project called InMotion will explore and celebrate the science of human motion, in recognition of this year’s Olympic Games.

The Cabinet Secretary for Culture & External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said of the project, “This year’s Expo-funded project, InMotion, examines the science of human movement in new and innovative ways and is sure to inspire young and old alike in 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Dr. Simon Gage, director of the festival, said, “Laugh about it, dance about it, dream about it or simply talk about it; we’ve never had such a variety of ways of soaking up hundreds of new ideas that spin from the birth of stars via dad dancing to maths comedy.

“For two weeks in April Edinburgh will become one of the world’s greatest playgrounds for the restlessly curious.”

The festival is due to run from March 30 to April 15.