York Festival of Ideas returns from 11 to 24 June with an eclectic programme featuring over 150 free online and in-person events.
Presented under the banner of The Next Chapter, this year’s Festival promises to educate, entertain and inspire with an array of talks, performances, family activities and panel discussions.
With events covering 16 different themes – from arts and creativity to wonderful minds – the Festival truly offers something for all interests.
There will be contributions from a host of world-class speakers including oscar-winning film editor (and University of York alumnus) Joe Walker; notable physicist and broadcaster Jim Al-Khalili; Guardian columnist and author Tim Dowling; Pakistani-American artist and women’s activist Maliha Abidi; renowned neuroscientists Uta and Chris Frith; climate campaigner Alice Bell, and more.
York Festival of Ideas also offers a series of focus sessions which place the spotlight on some of the most pressing questions facing humankind. This year, panels of experts will explore complex issues such as the war in Ukraine and how we can work together as a society to turn challenges into opportunities.
In addition, the Festival will welcome a variety of celebrated performers. Actress Dame Harriet Walter will feature in a performance of I,Clara, along with its creator, pianist Lucy Parham, to celebrate the life of Clara Schumann, the wife of composer Robert Schumann and a pioneering musician in her own right. Folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow, who gave us the closing theme to the popular TV series Gentleman Jack, will also perform at the Festival. And don’t miss acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo as he returns to the Festival for a special evening of live music, poetry and storytelling in celebration of the natural world, taking place in the stunning atmosphere of York Minster.
Come along to the Festival Finale on 24 June, Plotting Murder: An expert’s guide, with award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves and University of York forensic soil science expert Professor Lorna Dawson, who, together, will discuss the connections between writing murder and evaluating soil data.
Plus, there’s also the chance to support fellow PGRs in the York Three Minute Thesis Final!
View the full programme: yorkfestivalofideas.com
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