MALVERN Festival of Ideas has announced two additions to its programme.

The opening speaker at the festival on Friday, March 1 will be naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author Chris Packham.

He tells the story of how earth’s most incredible creations – life and intelligence – are set to have the same lasting impact on its story as any meteorite or earthquake.

The original opening session with Lord Campbell has been cancelled.

Extraordinarily creative and prolific, Chris has led a remarkable life.

He’s gained recognition as a naturalist, television presenter, writer, photographer, conservationist, campaigner and filmmaker.

The Saturday programme has been completed with the addition of award-winning documentary filmmaker Randall Wright who explores the problem of trying to tell the truth and a good story at the same time in a session entitled Confessions of a documentary filmmaker.

Randall has made more than 50 television and cinema films and his recent documentary for Sky, Gary Numan: Resurrection, charted the life of the synth-pop pioneer and his emotional return performance to Wembley Arena some 40 years after his final concert at the venue.

Chair of the festival steering group John Gill said: "Obviously, we are disappointed that Lord Campbell is no longer able to attend but we are delighted that Chris Packham has agreed to be our opening speaker.

"And with Randall Wright completing our Saturday programme it promises to be an exciting weekend."

The festival of ideas takes place from March 1 until 3.

Tickets and further details of the programme are available from the website www.malvernfestivalofideas.org.uk, by email at info@malvernfestivalofideas.org.uk or by calling 01684 565708.