University of Cambridge Festival of Ideas

21 OCTOBER to 1 NOVEMBER 2009

The 2nd Festival of Ideas in arts, humanities and social sciences will take place in Cambridge from 21 October to 1 November 2009.

The Festival is organised by the University of Cambridge so join us to explore centuries of ideas as we celebrate the University’s 800th Anniversary year!

With over 150 events, visitors of all ages will be given the opportunity to explore the big ideas behind history, literature, politics, art and much more. Find out how the study of arts, humanities and social sciences helps us understand vital issues past, present and future.

We’ve got performances, taster sessions, film screenings, workshops and exhibitions taking place throughout the Festival. Whilst a broad sweep of exciting lectures and debates will look back at ideas that have shaped the world and forward to the challenges for the future.

Join us on Saturday 24 October for a Family Day, with a range of hands on activities and engaging talks for all ages, including talks by children’s authors Michael Morpurgo, Anna Perera, Patrick Ness and Caroline Lawrence.

This year we are also running Ideas in the Community, satellite Festival sessions organised in partnership with the City Council’s Community Development Service. Taking place at three community venues across the city, drop in to find out about crime, gardening, local history, nutrition, music and much more. With talks, workshops and hands on activities for all ages, there is something for everyone.

There will be the chance for students of all ages to understand more about the world we live in, on a global and local scale - from politics to the study of different cultures to the stories behind paintings, hidden trails around the city of Cambridge and beyond.

There will be talks, performances and discussions to get you thinking. Find out how to take your interests further, watch fascinating performances and discover how the study of arts, humanities and social sciences helps us understand vital issues past, present and future.

Whatever your interest we hope you enjoy the Cambridge Festival of Ideas!

You can download a paper copy of the Festival of Ideas Programme 2009 from the column on the left.

Some events need to be prebooked, and bookings are now open,  but these are clearly indicated in the programme, along with contact details for bookings.

The website address if you would like to keep up to date is http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/whatson/ideasfestival/