The Forum was filled with junior detectives investigating a crime scene at the Norwich Science Festival.

Eastern Daily Press: CSI:Norwich event at Norwich Science Festival at The Forum. Layla Morgans, 9, with the murder victim. Picture: ANTONY KELLYCSI:Norwich event at Norwich Science Festival at The Forum. Layla Morgans, 9, with the murder victim. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

As part of biology day, the British Science Association recruited dozens of crime scene investigators in a fun-filled day of learning.

Participants clad in lab coats performed a series of experiments, including DNA extraction, scientific fingerprint study and analysis of mysterious chemicals through chromatography.

The study of DNA was brought to life in an interactive and visual workshop hosted by The Little Storytelling Company.

The children were tasked with working out whether or not their grandfather might be a war hero, scrutinizing letters, lockets and photos and learning how DNA can be obtained and used to answer questions about the past.

Eastern Daily Press: Spectacular Science Show with Mark Thompson at Norwich Cathedral, for Norwich Science Festival. Picture: ANTONY KELLYSpectacular Science Show with Mark Thompson at Norwich Cathedral, for Norwich Science Festival. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

In the Explorium, biology day sponsors, Bespak, offered a range of informative activities to the public.

Visitors had the opportunity to create their own plant DNA sequences and learn about the biology behind every medical gadgets, such as inhalers.

There was also the chance to study skeletons and x-ray machines and hearing in different species.

Meanwhile, at Norwich Cathedral, television astronomer and author, Mark Thompson, entertained crowds with his Spectacular Science Show.

Eastern Daily Press: CSI:Norwich event at Norwich Science Festival at The Forum. A DNA demonstration. Picture: ANTONY KELLYCSI:Norwich event at Norwich Science Festival at The Forum. A DNA demonstration. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Mr Thompson is famous for his presenting roles on programmes such as BBC Stargazing Live, The One Show and This Morning, educating and entertaining millions of viewers with his guided tours of the universe.

However, yesterday's show enthralled viewers without the need for a voyage into outer space, instead illustrating the magical properties of matter through a succession of experiments incorporating household products.

Today, the focus shifts to nature and the environment, with arguably the festival's headline event taking place at Norwich Cathedral.

Helen Sharman OBE, Britain's first astronaut to visit space, will be giving a special talk on her time in space. Mrs Sharman will retell her inspiring story, from being selected from over 13,000 applicants, to her scrupulous training and her eventual launch into space in 1991.

Eastern Daily Press: Spectacular Science Show with Mark Thompson at Norwich Cathedral, for Norwich Science Festival. Picture: ANTONY KELLYSpectacular Science Show with Mark Thompson at Norwich Cathedral, for Norwich Science Festival. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Science Festival at The Forum. Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorwich Science Festival at The Forum. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Science Festival at The Forum. Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorwich Science Festival at The Forum. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)