An exciting programme of events from thought-provoking exhibitions to slapstick comedy will ensure there is something for everyone at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh over the summer months.

A touch of African culture will be brought to the capital when the latest generation of a great performing dynasty bring their vibrant traditional music and spectacular dance to the heart of the Botanics. The East African troupe will perform “Wagogo – Fruits of the Baobab’’ each day at noon between 8-19 August.

One of the Garden’s exhibitions is sure to make an impact on visitors. Entitled “Hard Rain’’ after the famous Bob Dylan song, it uses images to reflect mankind’s headlong collision with nature. The exhibition is the culmination of many years of work by Mark Edwards who got lost on the edge of the Sahara in July 1969 and was rescued by a nomad. He was taken back to the tribe who then produced a cassette player complete with a tape of Dylan’s song.

As the lyrics rang out, Edwards decided to illustrate each line of the song. After a journey which took him to over 150 countries, he has put the Hard Rain exhibition together.

Displayed in the form of a giant outdoor banner, in the shadow of the iconic Palm House, Hard Rain will be on view daily from 10am and 7pm.

Another coup for RBGE this year is a debut exhibition of work by the “Father of Photography,’’ William Eggleston. Inverleith House will be presenting the first showing of large-format colour photographs by Eggleston taken in 1974 but only recently printed for the first time.

Eggleston who was born in Memphis in 1939 is the photographer most associated with the introduction of commercially processed colour prints to contemporary art photography. His work, which documents everyday life in Memphis, will be on show from July 28 to October 14.

A second exhibition at Inverleith House is also awe-inspiring. Entitled “Two Voices- Botany Behind The Scenes,’’ it features photographs taken by Rosita McKenzie who is blind and tactile images by Lara Latcham. It reveals the story of botanical research at RBGE and is accessible to all including those with visual impairments.

Head of Visitor Services at RBGE, Alan Bennell, said he was delighted such an exciting and varied programme was again being offered over the summer months.

He commented: “The Botanics is a superb setting and I am sure our visitors will appreciate the magnificent backdrop to what is an outstanding array of events being planned for the coming weeks.

“There is something for everyone and I am confident our visitors will appreciate the high standard of exhibitions and entertainment. The Garden’s programme of events is going from strength to strength.”

A host of other family events are also planned this summer, from art sessions to storytelling. For more information go to www.rbge.org.uk