Festival of Ideas begins!

Many of the Festival of Ideas events have sold out in record time this year, including talks by Sir Hermann Bondi on secret mathematics and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz’s talk on the arts and humanities.

A panel of experts will discuss the world’s skyrocketing population during Seven billion: the crowded planet and Richard Dawkins will explore his newest book The Magic of Reality in front a full house.

However it is still possible to book paces for some events - although space is limited – and many of the events on Saturday 22 October, the main day of the festival, welcome drop-ins.

Visit www.cam.ac.uk/festivalofideas  for the latest details on events and ticket availability.

This year there are more events than ever for the whole family to enjoy. Author Charlie Higson shares his love for all things horror on Saturday 22 October, talking about his latest heart-stopping zombie-thriller for children, The Fear, the third novel in his popular The Enemy Series.

Also appearing on Saturday is award-winning author, illustrator and Gold Blue Peter Badge holder Nick Sharratt, the beloved creator of the illustrations in The Story of Tracy Beaker. Well-known comedians and BBC presenters Holly Walsh and Ed Petrie will perform their hilarious comedy acts during their Popcorn Comedy for Kids hour.

Events for adults, both on the main Saturday as well as throughout the Festival, are an opportunity to learn and discuss everything from the future of GM food production to Darwin's ground breaking work on the evolution and expression of emotion.

Panels of global experts will discuss the state of politics of the left and governments, scientists and aid agencies responses to natural disaster. The London Anti-Crime Education Scheme will be on hand - complete with a prison cell - to discuss their mentoring work at deterring people, especially youths, from a life of crime.

Best-selling authors and academics will also be discussing their newest research throughout the day. Michael Scott will show how the famous Greek oracle sites Delphi and Olympia actually played a central role in the development of an ancient Greek identity while John Julius Norwich will uncover the stories of the saints and sinners of the papacy.

Five world-class Cambridge museums will open late on Monday October 24 to put on a one-night-only sensory display featuring live performances and sound installations, lighting effects, DJs and more as part of this year’s Festival of Ideas. The Whipple Museum of the History of Science, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Polar Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum will all play host during Access All Archive, offering audience members a unique musical experience inspired by the exhibits.

There are plenty of drop-in events throughout the festival, including musical performances and art exhibitions. On the main Saturday the Cambridge Community Circus will be on hand teaching participants skills while dance troupes from Cambridge will also perform throughout the day. Explore the world of the Anglo-Saxons and make an Egyptian mask at Girton College, or head to the Cambridge Archaeological Unit for Prehistory Day where everyone can try their hand at cave painting, spear throwing, and making clay figurines.

Join the ranks of great musicians like Beethoven or The Beatles by composing a masterpiece with the help of sound engineers during the Music technology workshop. Musical story time, ideal for the little ones, features narrations and performances which bring to life the classic fairy tales Goldilocks and the three bears, Red Riding Hood and The Boy Who Cried wolf.

Festival organiser Sophie Smith said: “The Festival has something for everyone. Alongside the fun and lively events for families, there will be amazing musical performances in King’s College Chapel and the University of Cambridge’s museums. There is also an opportunity for Festival-goers to discuss the big questions facing us all today on topics such as reproductive freedom, Mau Mau torture claims and whether prison works.”

The Festival of Ideas takes place from 19-30 October. For more information, timetables and to book events please visit www.cam.ac.uk/festivalofideas.