Grand Opening photo gallery

Posted on 21 June 2011

Some images of the 2011 York Festival of Ideas Grand Opening in The Ron Cooke Hub.

York's first Festival of Ideas opened on 16 June 2011 with a grand celebration in The Ron Cooke Hub on the University of York's campus extension at Heslington East.

Over 200 people attended and enjoyed a talk from photographer John Minihan and the first viewing of the Festival's exhibition of his photographs of Samuel Beckett. A live band, the sensory experience of indoor grass underfoot, and a celebration cake provided by Betty's added to the festivities.

Festival of Ideas cake sponsored by Betty's

Festival of Ideas cake sponsored by Betty's

Guests enjoy the indoor turf sponsored by Lindum turf

Guests enjoy the indoor turf sponsored by Lindum turf

Guests celebrate the launch of the Festival of Ideas

Guests celebrate the launch of the Festival of Ideas

Guests enjoy the indoor turf sponsored by Lindum turf

Guests enjoy the indoor turf sponsored by Lindum turf

Guests gathered in The Hub at the laucnh of the exhibition

Guests gathered in The Hub at the laucnh of the exhibition

John Minihan explains his photographs of Beckett

John Minihan explains his photographs of Beckett

Beckett photographer John Minihan in discussion at the launch event

Beckett photographer John Minihan in discussion at the launch event

John Minihan photographing the Festival of Ideas launch event and his own Beckett photograph

John Minihan photographing the Festival of Ideas launch event and his own Beckett photograph

John Minihan photographs of Beckett in the gallery

John Minihan photographs of Beckett in the gallery

Viewing John Minihan's photographic exhibition

Viewing John Minihan's photographic exhibition

Viewing the signed Minihan photographs in the exhibition

Viewing the signed Minihan photographs in the exhibition