Over the past 4 years, The Festival Of Ideas in Cambridge has turned out to be such a good idea in itself that each year, up to ten thousand of you get involved with over 160 events that make up this thought-provoking schedule.

Throughout the Festival, speakers and the public will debate some of the biggest questions in modern times. Festival organiser Sophie Smith says “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 has a rich tradition of hosting expert speakers in a wide range of fields. And this year the festival welcomes world-renowned speakers to take part in this year’s fantastic programme including Charlie Higson, Holly Walsh, Professor Marcus du Sautoy, Richard Dawkins and Oscar winner Michael Moore.

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS

Scourge of the American Right, Michael Moore, will be speaking to coincide with the launch of his latest book Here Comes Trouble. Fri 21 Oct, 18:00.

Author and Comedian Charlie Higson will be speaking about his love of horror, including his own zombie thrillers, Sat 22 Oct, 13:00.

The main day of the Festival is on Saturday 22 October on the University’s Sidgwick Site with dozens of talks, workshops and hands on activities for all ages, including  performances by amazing University and community dance groups throughout the day at the ‘Dance Extravaganza’.

Explore the dark, gothic and unsettling worlds of Marcus Sedgwick’s novels on the main day of the Festival, Saturday 22 October, 11:00.

Professor Marcus du Sautoy will explore the hidden mathematical ideas that underpin artists’ creative output on Wednesday 19 October.

Check out this video, for a flavour of the kind of things you can learn about at this year’s Festival Of Ideas…