The UK’s biggest free celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences begins today.
The UK’s biggest free celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences begins today.
Over the next 12 days, some of the UK’s foremost academics, writers, journalists and artists will explore some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary society.
Malavika Anderson
Cambridge University’s fifth annual Festival of Ideas will run until 4 November, and will feature over 150 free events of old and young alike. Last year, the Festival attracted over 12,000 visitors, and this year even more are expected.
The Festival kicked off in Romsey; on Saturday the launch of the ‘Big Draw on tour’ brought nearly 400 visitors to Romsey Mill where participants contributed to the Big Draw banner, practiced their steel drumming and got involved in archaeology sessions.
The weekend also saw the unveiling of the Faculty of Music’s two week ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ project, with fifteen pianos decorated by local artists distributed around Cambridge for anyone to play.
"Over the next 12 days, some of the UK’s foremost academics, writers, journalists and artists will explore some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary society" said organiser Malavika Anderson. "In Gender difference: nature vs nurture, Professor Simon Baron Cohen will explore how contemporary neuroscientific discoveries can inform – or not – our viewpoints on the gender divide."
Elsewhere, Dr Shane McCorristine will introduce his research into the paranormal aspects of polar exploration, from the sublime to the terrifying, in Polar dreams, ghosts and psychics.
The Festival will also play host to some of the UK’s leading figures in contemporary arts and culture; Posy Simmonds, graphic novelist and creator of Tamara Drewe will be discussing her creative methods, while Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will be launching Thresholds, an ambitious project that will see 10 leading poets taking on residencies in Cambridge Museums.
Current affairs will also feature at the forefront of the programme, with Kate Adie in conversation on the implications of our increased interconnectedness, and the impact it will have in the global arena, as well as a panel of experts gathering to discuss who will win the battle for the White House.
This Saturday the Sidgwick site will play host to the Festival’s main day of family activities, with performance poetry from Benjamin Zephaniah, as well as a talk from Charlie and Lola creator Lauren Child. The Cambridge Storytellers will also be making an appearance, performing their interpretation of old myths and legends.
The Festival of Ideas begins today, and runs until 4 November. Visit www.cam.ac.uk/festivalofideas for more information.
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