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Calendar of events

The York Festival of Ideas brings together a range of world-class speakers, exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences for people of all ages. Most events are free to attend. Please see individual events for ticket details.

Events over multiple days

Exploring Utopian York
Throughout the Festival
In this guided podcast trail, Sarah Lohmann of Durham University and Adam Stock of York St John University discuss utopian visions, science fiction and the imagination in locations while exploring the city centre of York.

Behind the Scenes of Science
Weekdays throughout the Festival
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at world-leading research centres at the University of York? Here is your chance to find out. 

York’s Sweet Past: A taste of success - the Inspirational Mary Ann Craven
Tuesday 5 - Friday 8 June and Monday 11 - Friday 15 June
Delve into York’s sweet past and meet our costumed confectioner Mary Ann Craven on York Castle Museum’s Victorian cobbled street, Kirkgate.

Interactive Media Showcase
Friday 15 June 2018, 6.00pm to 7.30pm (Opening Gala), and Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June 2018, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Join us for the Interactive Media Showcase, a brand new event organised by the University of York’s Interactive Media BSc students to share their work created over the past year. The Showcase will feature a wide array of projects from virtual reality installations to video games to mobile apps to interactive cinema, cards, posters, art installations and many more – even an interactive racing car!

How Many Sails?
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June
Windmills have four sails. Right? Wrong! Find out about mills with five, six, eight and even more sails, where they are and why. 

The Rowntree Takeover in Cartoons
Throughout the Festival
To mark the 30th Anniversary of the takeover of Rowntree plc by Nestlé, The Rowntree Society presents an exhibition of cartoons as they appeared in newspapers in 1988. 

The Art of Activism
Tuesday 5 - Sunday 10 June
Join us for an exhibition illustrating the powerful role the arts can play in helping us envisage a more just world.

Hear My Voice: Art for wellbeing
Throughout the festival
A special exhibition at York Art Gallery celebrates the creative talents of York’s residents through artwork produced on projects, courses and classes run by Culture & Wellbeing in York.

Refuse/Refuge
Friday 20 July to Sunday 16 September
Refuse/Refuge is an exhibition of contemporary art exploring the role of visual politics in shaping the public's reactions to the 21st-century refugee crisis. 

Previous events

York Design Awards: Winners presentation

Monday 25 June 2018

Join us as the winners are announced of the 12th annual York Design Awards. Entries to the awards are in categories covering residential, community and commercial schemes, large or small, and open spaces. This flagship event includes the presentation of plaques to the winning schemes chosen by a distinguished panel of independent judges, with a special Lord Mayor’s Award. The accompanying exhibition showcases all the 2018 entries.

Britten: War Requiem

Wednesday 20 June 2018

Marking the centenary of the end of the First World War, the University Choir and Symphony Orchestra present Britten’s searing War Requiem.

Broadcasters of the Future: New Generation Thinkers

Sunday 17 June 2018

Meet five New Generation Thinkers and hear their ideas on topics ranging from Sarah Scott and the dream of a female utopia to John Gower, the forgotten medieval poet. It features five inspiring speakers, choral music by The 24 and a drinks reception. The 24 is conducted by Robert Hollingworth, founder and director of I Fagiolini, one of the UK’s top professional vocal groups.

Re-imagining York

Sunday 17 June 2018

With its unique mix of heritage and hi-tech, what is the plan to re-imagine this historic city? Find out from speakers including Bob Allies of Allies and Morrison, developers of the masterplan for York Central; Francis Glare, Principal, BDP; Andy Shrimpton, Founder of Cycle Heaven; Helen Graham of the University of Leeds; and Timothy Ireland from the Kent School of Architecture.

Imagining the Impossible: From Woman in Service to Servicewoman

Sunday 17 June 2018

Discover the story of Thomina Pearson who left a life of domestic service to join the WAACS, during the Great War. Formed in 1917, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps played an important role in the First World War, and for women like Thomina, serving in the corps changed their lives in ways they would never have imagined.

Rise Up Women! The remarkable lives of the suffragettes

Sunday 17 June 2018

One hundred years on from the campaign for women's suffrage, author Diane Atkinson celebrates the lives of the women who answered the call to 'Rise Up'

Building Sustainable, Successful Communities

Sunday 17 June 2018

How do we create successful communities? Join speakers including housing policy expert Rebecca Tunstall of the University of York, David Rudlin of Urbanism Environment and Design (URBED), and leading architects Riccardo Marini, Founder of Marini Urbanismo, Irena Bauman, Director of Bauman Lyons and Clare Wright, Founding Partner at Wright & Wright Architects.

Knowing the Score: My family and our tennis story

Sunday 17 June 2018

As mother to tennis champions Jamie and Andy Murray, Scottish National Coach, coach of the Fed Cup, and general all-round can-do woman of wonder, Judy Murray is the ultimate role model for believing in yourself and being ambitious. As a parent, coach and leader, she is an inspiration who has revolutionised British tennis.

Exhibition: Re-imagining the city of York

Sunday 17 June 2018

Master of Architecture students from the Kent School of Architecture, Canterbury present innovative visions for the city of York. Join them for a thought-provoking exhibition - ‘Design for Galactic Life on Earth: How can architectural intervention be used to instigate change?’

Technology and Transport

Sunday 17 June 2018

Our speakers, including Alison Brooks, Principal and Creative Director of Alison Brooks Architects, Stephen Joseph, Executive Director of Campaign for Better Transport, Harbinder Birdi, Head of Infrastructure and Transport at Hawkins\Brown, Efrat Blumenfeld-Lieberthal of Tel Aviv University and transport planner Paul Osborne, help us re-imagine city living.

Cities of Today and Tomorrow - CANCELLED

Sunday 17 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

Eoforwic: Celebrating Anglo-Saxon York

Sunday 17 June 2018

In York we are surrounded by reminders of the Roman and Viking past. Anglo-Saxon York, or Eoforwic, is far less visible in the city today than Roman Eboracum or Danish Jorvik. But the Anglian era of York’s history, between the Roman occupation and the Viking conquest, lasted for longer than those two eras put together. Join us as we delve into the Anglo-Saxon past and discover clues to life in Anglian York.

LUMA Film Festival

Sunday 17 June 2018

Now in its seventh year, the LUMA Film Festival was created by University of York students to champion the work of the Department of Theatre, Film and Television. As well as screenings of student work, the event includes talks and workshops from leading professionals in the UK film and television industry. Past student work screened at LUMA has gone on to win awards and recognition at both national and international level.

Space: The final frontier?

Sunday 17 June 2018

Join the University of York Astronomy Society for a journey to the furthest reaches of space as we celebrate astronomy and space science. Our packed day of talks, exhibitions and hands-on activities offers something for all ages and interests: explore the Universe in an inflatable planetarium, the Cosmodome; try solar observing from the Astrocampus (weather-permitting); and learn about galaxy evolution, supernovae and cosmic explosions.

Space. Planets. Stars.

Saturday 16 June 2018

Brought to you by irlYork, Space. Planets. Stars. will take you on a journey of discovery, as it tests the strength and potential of humankind. While the USA and Russia were head to head in a race to reach space, Britain was on the brink of its own discoveries. A group of scientists, from Britain and India, put their heads together in what becomes a race for the creation of new life. But how far would you go to reach your full potential?

Imagining the Impossible: Life without cars

Saturday 16 June 2018

Adventure cyclist and author Josie Dew has cycled over 505,000 miles across six continents and 49 countries. Join Josie at Cycle Heaven as she discusses life without cars. Best known for writing about life in the saddle on world cycling adventures, hear how that translates into everyday family life with three children.

Bearing Arms, and Heads and Bodies: Stretcher bearers in the First World War

Saturday 16 June 2018

Stretcher bearers were instrumental in saving lives and recovering bodies throughout the First World War. Their jobs were gruelling, dangerous and relentless after an attack. Marie Allitt of the University of York reveals the personal stories of these men - and some women, including some local stories.

The Future of Work

Saturday 16 June 2018

In the near future, an increasing number of autonomous systems will be placed in roles and given functions that were previously the domain of skilled humans. What are the implications of this for the world of work?

CANCELLED - Cows: The story of a calving season

Saturday 16 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

Artificial Intelligence for Health

Saturday 16 June 2018

Would you choose to be looked after by a robotic carer? How about using autonomous systems to help give early diagnoses by analysing health records? Could AI be used to support those with mental health issues? Join us as we discuss what AI might mean for our future health. Is the potential for AI to revolutionise healthcare overhyped or could it transform the NHS?

Medic! A sense of First World War battlefield medicine

Saturday 16 June 2018

Have you ever wondered what battlefield surgery in the First World War was like? Can you imagine how it looked and smelled, and how it might have felt to perform operations and nurse the wounded? Come along to this sensory workshop, showcasing (simulated) medical treatments and conditions. You might even be able to try your hand at a procedure or two!

Reading Science Futures: Lock in

Saturday 16 June 2018

What might our bodies be like in the future? What kinds of health crises are looming – and what solutions does medical science promise? What would it feel like if human brains and minds operated independently from bodies: who might we be, and how might we act with others? Join our book group, led by researchers at Newcastle University to discuss John Scalzi’s 2014 novel Lock In and the way it envisions the future of human bodies, medical science, and social interaction.

Thinking: Destination Unknown…

Saturday 16 June 2018

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is not just to think outside the box, but outside this world. ComplexCity is a colony in space designed to become an alternative home for humans after the breakdown of the Earth’s ecosystem. Join our simulation sessions as you attempt to govern ComplexCity using some of the tools of complex thinking and find out…

Digital Handmade: Craftmanship and the new Industrial Revolution

Saturday 16 June 2018

Writer Lucy Johnston introduces some of the international designers, artists, and craftspeople who combine the precision and flexibility of computing and digital fabrication with the skill and tactility of the master artisan to create unexpected and desirable objects and products.

Driverless Vehicles

Saturday 16 June 2018

Driverless vehicles have been hitting the headlines – autonomous cars, crew-less tankers and parcel delivery by drones. They promise improved freedom and efficiency, but how do we live safely in a world of AI?

Church Conservation: An impossible task?

Saturday 16 June 2018

What does it take to care for a building that has been standing for a millennium? The Churches Conservation Trust has saved over 350 historic church buildings across England, including the hidden medieval gem of Holy Trinity in York, whose recorded origins go back to 1082.

Artificial Intelligence: Exhibition

Saturday 16 June 2018

Do you know what artificial intelligence (AI) is? Would you like to find out more? Join us for an exploration of AI, robotics and autonomous systems: Have a chat with a chatbot; try out the Turing test and see whether you can distinguish between a human and an AI; see robots in action and have a go at programming your own; play noughts-and-crosses against the computer and watch its ‘thought processes’ as it decides what move to make; and watch excerpts from a play with a robotic lead actor.

‘Have a Go’ Bell Ringing at St Martin

Saturday 16 June 2018

Come along to St Martin Coney Street and try your hand at bell ringing under the guidance of the church’s skilled team of bell ringers. Watch demonstrations on the peal of eight bells before having a go yourself.

Four Mums in a Boat

Saturday 16 June 2018

Join us to hear the incredible true story of four ordinary working mums from Yorkshire who took on an extraordinary challenge and broke a world record along the way. Brought together by their love of rowing, Janette Benaddi, Frances Davies, Helen Butters and Niki Doeg decided to do something that few people have ever succeeded in doing - crossing 3,000 miles of treacherous ocean in the toughest row in the world, The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Saturday 16 June 2018

Do you know what artificial intelligence (AI) is? Would you like to find out more? What should and shouldn’t we be worried about? Our keynote address is by Alan Winfield of the University of the West of England.

Talking Portraits!

Saturday 16 June 2018

Imagine if portraits could talk - what stories would they tell? Join University of York students as they unlock the secrets of the paintings of the Lord Mayors of York displayed in the historic Mansion House. Taking place in the beautiful State Room, this interactive family storytelling event is particularly suitable for children aged nine to 13.

Psych!York: Interactive family fun

Saturday 16 June 2018

Come along to Psych!York and enjoy brain colouring and crafts, illusions and interactive exhibits. Each exhibit should only take around five to 10 minutes to try out – so with around 15 different interactive exhibits, you can spend as much time with us as you like!

York Design Awards Walking Trail

Saturday 16 June 2018

Join us for a unique opportunity to visit York Design Award-winning buildings from the first 11 years of the scheme. The Walking Trail of Award Winners and other standout schemes will take place in and around the City centre, led by Peter Brown, former Director of the York Civic Trust, with architects from the York Architectural Association.

LUMA Film Festival

Saturday 16 June 2018

Now in its seventh year, the LUMA Film Festival was created by University of York students to champion the work of the Department of Theatre, Film and Television. As well as screenings of student work, the event includes talks and workshops from leading professionals in the UK film and television industry. Past student work screened at LUMA has gone on to win awards and recognition at both national and international level.

1795 and All That: The coming of the cavalry to Fulford

Saturday 16 June 2018

Can you imagine York without the military garrison it has had on and off since the Romans arrived in AD 72? With the possible closure of Fulford barracks, Judy Nicholson of the Fishergate, Fulford & Heslington Local History Society takes a lively look back at the military presence in Fulford Road since the cavalry arrived in 1795.

A Taste of Ancient Sicily: Food, farming and family life

Saturday 16 June 2018

Join us for a taste of ancient Sicily. Starting from the find of a brightly-coloured Islamic dish of the 10th century, archaeologist Martin Carver, filmmaker Louis Carver, artist Laura Elias and a team of scientists from the University of York's BioArCh Laboratory take you on a Sicilian adventure. Travel with them through 700 years and four consecutive changes in regime – Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Norman – and learn about food, farming and family life in ancient Sicily.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Friday 15 June 2018

Andrew George, author of the prize-winning Penguin translation of Gilgamesh and one of the few people who have read all the original cuneiform tablets, explores four themes related to this masterpiece of Babylonian poetry: the archaeology of the poem's recovery, the reconstruction of its text, the story it tells, and its messages about life and death.

The Beatles at 50: Lyric Secrets of the Beatles’ White Album

Friday 15 June 2018

Join us as we explore the Beatles’ genius as lyricists. In an extensively illustrated talk, Colin Campbell of the University of York examines the lyrics to the songs on what is generally known as The White Album, which was first issued in November 1968.

Space. Planets. Stars.

Friday 15 June 2018

Brought to you by irlYork, Space. Planets. Stars. will take you on a journey of discovery, as it tests the strength and potential of humankind. While the USA and Russia were head to head in a race to reach space, Britain was on the brink of its own discoveries. A group of scientists, from Britain and India, put their heads together in what becomes a race for the creation of new life. But how far would you go to reach your full potential?

Foundations of House

Friday 15 June 2018

In 1972 something happened. A new sound from underground parties held in basements and lofts across Manhattan began to permeate the concrete and steel of the city: disco. For the ensuing half a century the thump of disco’s bass drum has been the heartbeat of nightlife. However, it is so much more than just a beat. It is moving, living, breathing history.

Man of Iron: Thomas Telford and the building of Britain

Friday 15 June 2018

Few people have done more to shape our nation than Thomas Telford. A stonemason turned architect turned engineer, he built churches, harbours, canals, docks and the famously vertiginous Pontcysyllte aqueduct in Wales. Join Julian Glover, author of Man of Iron: Thomas Telford and the Building of Britain, to learn more about the man who created the backbone of our national road network and some of the most dramatic and beautiful bridges ever built.

Dinner with Dickens: Recipes inspired by the life and work of Charles Dickens

Friday 15 June 2018

Pen Vogler, author of Dinner with Dickens, celebrates the food of Victorian England and highlights the dishes Dickens wrote about with such gusto and enjoyed in real life. Join Pen for some fascinating insights into housekeeping, entertaining, and how Dickens’ own experiences of hunger influenced his conviction that the poor also had the right to enjoy good food, drink and company.

Dogmatic

Friday 15 June 2018

Jamal used to be dogmatic. Well, he still slightly is. But now he is more open to hearing different opinions. Exploring free speech, Facebook debates, police brutality, privilege and self-reflection, DOGMATIC focuses on what happened when Jamal became more aware of racial inequality and how he allowed this to consume him.

Ripples of Gravity, Flashes of Light: The dawn of multi-messenger astronomy

Friday 15 June 2018

Join LIGO scientist Martin Hendry as he explores the amazing technology behind the detection of gravitational waves, and what their discovery might soon tell us about some of the biggest unsolved mysteries in physics and astronomy.

The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who

Friday 15 June 2018

Doctor Who stories are many things: thrilling adventures, historical dramas, tales of love and war and jelly babies. They’re also science fiction - but how much of the science is actually real, and how much is really fiction? Join Simon Guerrier and Marek Kukula, authors of The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who, for a mind-bending blend of story and science that will help you see Doctor Who in a whole new light.

When They Go Low, We Go High

Friday 15 June 2018

In his work as a speechwriter to senior politicians and business leaders around the world, Philip Collins has become well versed in understanding what it is that makes a speech great. Join Philip, author or When They Go Low, We Go High, as he explores the ways in which the most notable speeches in history have worked, analysing the rhetorical tricks to uncover how the right speech at the right time can profoundly shape the world.

York Design Awards Walking Trail

Friday 15 June 2018

Join us for a unique opportunity to visit York Design Award-winning buildings from the first 11 years of the scheme. The Walking Trail of Award Winners and other standout schemes will take place in and around the City centre, led by Peter Brown, former Director of the York Civic Trust, with architects from the York Architectural Association.

China in Drag: Travels with a cross-dresser

Friday 15 June 2018

Approaching the end of his eight-year stay in Beijing, BBC correspondent Michael Bristow decided he wanted to write about the country’s modern history. To assist him he asked for the help of his language teacher, who was born just two years after the communist party came to power in 1949. Hear how Michael, author of China in Drag: Travels with a Cross-dresser, gradually realised that the teacher’s story is the story of modern China.

Building an Inclusive Economy: Where are the big ideas?

Friday 15 June 2018

Join Andy Wood of the Inclusive Economy Partnership, Wanda Wyporska, Executive Director of The Equality Trust, Roger Farmer of the University of Warwick, Neil McInroy of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (Preston) and Ander Etxeberria of the MONDRAGON Corporation as they present innovative ideas for creating an inclusive economy.

The Impact of Poverty on Households, Homelessness and Health

Friday 15 June 2018

Lord Victor Adebowale, Chief Executive of the social enterprise Turning Point, presents the keynote speech on the impact and consequences of homelessness. Our expert panel, including Sam Thomas of the Health Foundation, Sara Davies of the University of Bristol and Julie Rugg of the University of York, then discuss the big ideas for solving homelessness.

Solving UK Poverty

Friday 15 June 2018

Just how big a problem is poverty in the UK and who is impacted most? Join Claire Ainsley, Joseph Rowntree Foundation Executive Director, Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, and Helen Pearson, author of The Life Project, as they discuss the scale of the problem and how it is affecting life chances for the most vulnerable in our society.

Galina Vale: Guitar virtuoso

Friday 15 June 2018

Flamboyant international guitar diva, Galina Vale, plays a programme of flamenco and classical pieces. A child prodigy raised in a family of musicians, Galina’s performing career began at the age of eight with an appearance on Ukrainian State Television.

Connecting the Dots: Global inequality, poverty and wellbeing

Friday 15 June 2018

We are delighted to welcome three world-leading experts to present compelling evidence about inequality and its impact. Join us as David Pilling, Africa Editor of the Financial Times and author of The Growth Delusion; Kate Pickett, author of The Inner Level, sequel to the acclaimed The Spirit Level; and Danny Dorling of the University of Oxford, author of Peak Inequality: Britain’s Ticking Time Bomb, kick off a day exploring new and radical ideas of how to solve poverty and inequality.

Chamber Music Masterpieces: String quartets

Thursday 14 June 2018

Internationally renowned Festival Artists of York Chamber Music Festival present two chamber music masterpieces – Mozart’s String Quartet in G Major and Brahms’ String Quartet in C Minor.

Imprisoned, Erased, Repressed, Innovative: Hidden stories of LGBT+ scientists

Thursday 14 June 2018

Diverse scientists are ideally placed to use their unique experiences to 'imagine the impossible' and solve challenging problems. Join David Smith of the University of York as he explores the stories of LGBT+ scientists, highlighting cutting-edge science and the politics of diversity.

Space. Planets. Stars.

Thursday 14 June 2018

Brought to you by irlYork, Space. Planets. Stars. will take you on a journey of discovery, as it tests the strength and potential of humankind. While the USA and Russia were head to head in a race to reach space, Britain was on the brink of its own discoveries. A group of scientists, from Britain and India, put their heads together in what becomes a race for the creation of new life. But how far would you go to reach your full potential?

Botanical Treasures from Cook’s First Voyage

Thursday 14 June 2018

Fine art publisher Joe Studholme explains the modern printing of Joseph Banks’ collection of botanical engravings and shows some of the fine illustrations. Banks, a wealthy young naturalist, accompanied James Cook on his first voyage around the world between 1768 and 1771.

Ciné Lumière: Merci Patron!

Thursday 14 June 2018

Merci Patron! (Thanks Boss!) is an award-winning documentary directed by journalist and social activist François Ruffin. A box office success in France, the 2016 film is critical of the practice of outsourcing French jobs to foreign labour abroad. It follows a family fired by a company owned by LVMH (Group owned by French billionaire Bernard Arnault) who, with the help of the movie director, seek reparation from their previous employer.

Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Rationality and magic in 18th-century science

Thursday 14 June 2018

Ben Russell, Curator of Mechanical Engineering at the Science Museum, London considers the ‘impossible’ in the Age of Reason - unimaginable new technologies, mind-blowing scientific discoveries and revolutionary new ideas.

Life, Death and Transcendence: Schubert’s string quintet

Thursday 14 June 2018

How, in this difficult and painful situation, did Schubert commit to paper a score of such transcendental beauty? What is it that enables the dots on the pages of the score to move us to the core 200 years later? Join the Rev Canon Chris Collingwood, Canon Chancellor of York Minster, as he reflects on these and other questions; and not just concerning Schubert’s late works, but for music generally that seems to be able to transcend space and time like no other art form. Chris’ talk is followed by a performance of Schubert’s String Quintet by the internationally renowned Festival Artists of York Chamber Music Festival.

Ancient Egyptian Art: Everything is real

Thursday 14 June 2018

Join Egyptologist Bill Manley, author of Egyptian Art, as he highlights some of the finest achievements of a uniquely successful and enduringly compelling civilisation through more than 3,000 years, in order to discover what art meant to the pharaohs and their followers.

Diversify: Six degrees of integration - CANCELLED

Thursday 14 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

The Future Starts Here: Exploring the power of design in shaping the world of tomorrow

Thursday 14 June 2018

The world of tomorrow is shaped by the emerging design and technology of today. Join Rory Hyde, co-curator of The Future Starts Here exhibition at the V&A in London, to find out about a landscape of possibilities for the future.

Reinventing the North: From Rome to Rowntree

Thursday 14 June 2018

Join historical tour guide Peter Edwards for a walking tour as he challenges some of the stereotypes of Yorkshire and the North. Find out why Yorkshire deserves a more prominent role in the national historical narrative and why the county’s experience of the ‘story of Britain’ is very different to that of the narrative promoted by popular history.

Puzzles in the Pub

Thursday 14 June 2018

Join mathematician and biologist Rosalyn Leaman of the University of York as she introduces the puzzles at an informal session in the ancient and medieval arithmetical gymnasium. Come along and sharpen your wits over a glass of specially brewed Eoforwic Ale.

Ivan Bilibin: Visualising fairy tales - CANCELLED

Thursday 14 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

Facing the Impossible in Physics

Thursday 14 June 2018

Scientific progress is sometimes portrayed as a smooth and logical process, uncovering the next jigsaw piece of some eternal and abiding Truth about the world we live in. In fact it's a sequence of hypothesis, observation and new improved hypothesis. Join Alice Courvoisier and Carolyn Dougherty of the University of York and writer Jacqueline Saville as they discuss the history of physics and astronomy in the context of prevailing contemporary views.

Immigrants: An English controversy, 1250-1500

Thursday 14 June 2018

Controversies about immigration to the British Isles are not new: they have been part of our political discourse since the Middle Ages. Mark Ormrod of the University of York looks at a key period in the development of English immigration policy, during the era of the Hundred Years War, the Black Death and the Wars of the Roses.

Beer and Beowulf: Fantastic poetry

Wednesday 13 June 2018

A retinue of reciters, led by Matthew Townend of the University of York, will perform a selection of Anglo-Saxon and Norse poetry, both in translation and in the original. There’ll also be an opportunity to try some Eoforwic Ale, a beer brewed specially for York Festival of Ideas by the Leeds Brewery.

Craeft: How traditional crafts are about more than just making

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Historian and popular broadcaster Alex Langlands explains why our modern understanding of craft only skims the surface. Join him and learn about the transformation of our understanding of craft – or rather, craeft – in the wake of industrialisation.

Space. Planets. Stars.

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Brought to you by irlYork, Space. Planets. Stars. will take you on a journey of discovery, as it tests the strength and potential of humankind. While the USA and Russia were head to head in a race to reach space, Britain was on the brink of its own discoveries. A group of scientists, from Britain and India, put their heads together in what becomes a race for the creation of new life. But how far would you go to reach your full potential?

In/Hospitable

Wednesday 13 June 2018

At Carrel Psychiatric Hospital something has changed. The impossible has happened and keeps happening.

A Revolution of Feeling

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Author Rachel Hewitt provides a vivid and absorbing account of the dramatic end of the Enlightenment. Join her to learn about the beginning of an emotional landscape preoccupied by guilt, sin, failure, resignation and repression, and the origins of our contemporary approach to feeling and desire.

Creating Stories on Screen: Acting workshops for adults

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Ever fancied being a star of the screen? This is your chance to step in front of the camera and learn how to act for film and TV. Come along to one of our tailor-made Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting (YAFTA) workshops, all run by professional actress Rachel Watkinson.

London’s Triumph: Merchant Adventurers and the Tudor City

Wednesday 13 June 2018

The discoveries of the New World and direct sea routes to Asia fundamentally changed life in 16th-century Europe. To start with England was hardly involved and London remained a gloomy, introverted medieval city. But as the century progressed something extraordinary happened.

Exploring the Limits of the Possible

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Can you imagine a tree that nobody is seeing? Can a painting depict a scene that is logically impossible? Can you imagine a colour that is both reddish and greenish? Philosophers use thought experiments of this kind to establish claims about what is, and what is not, possible. Tom Stoneham, Peter Lamarque, Keith Allen and Louise Richardson of the University of York’s Department of Philosophy introduce some of these thought experiments and consider their significance for our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Cycling City: Why aren't we there yet?

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Join Rachel Aldred of the University of Westminster as she helps us re-imagine York as a true cycling city on a par with Groningen, Copenhagen and Cambridge.

Impossible futures? Environmental utopias for the 21st century

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Using examples from science fiction and popular nonfiction texts, Lisa Garforth of Newcastle University explores how visions for a more sustainable future have changed since the 1970s and what green hopes for the 21st century might look like.

The Tower of Babel Revisited

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Why are there so many languages in the world? Why can’t we just all speak the same one? Join Ann Taylor and Eva Zehentner of the University of York for an interactive talk exploring how languages change over time and how this can lead to the emergence of new languages.

Liquid Traces: The left-to-die boat case

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Join us for a film screening of Liquid Traces: The Left-to-Die Boat Case (2014) directed by Charles Heller and Lorenzo Pezzani (Forensic Oceanography). The screening will be introduced by Martha Cattell and Kyveli Lignou-Tsamantani, Art History PhD Students at the University of York.

What Works for Women at Work: Four patterns working women need to know

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Join us for a dynamic talk by author Joan C. Williams and learn about the challenges women and diverse employees face in today’s workplace and the data-driven strategies that will help them succeed.

Stonehenge: Old rocks, new theories

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Stonehenge is Britain’s most famous ancient monument, an extraordinary and enigmatic structure attracting over 1.4 million visitors a year. Archaeologist, writer and broadcaster Julian Richards will explain its sophisticated architecture and show how it has been explored, studied and interpreted over the centuries.

Mapping on the Edge: Conceptualising place, space and landscape through Inuit artefacts

Wednesday 13 June 2018

How did those living in the circumpolar region see space, place and landscape in the time after contact with Europeans? Join Meg Boulton, a Research Affiliate with the University of York’s History of Art Department, as she brings together three sets of objects to consider this question.

Creating Stories on Screen: Acting workshops for teenagers

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Ever fancied being a star of the screen? This is your chance to step in front of the camera and learn how to act for film and TV. Come along to one of our tailor-made Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting (YAFTA) workshops, all run by professional actress Rachel Watkinson.

Museums, Micro-volunteering and a New Era of Audience Engagement

Wednesday 13 June 2018

What is micro-volunteering? Why should you consider it? Join Hannah Rose Mather, Culture and Heritage Supervisor at Jarrow Hall, Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village and Bede Museum, to discover the benefits of micro-volunteering.

Creating Stories on Screen: Acting workshops for children

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Ever fancied being a star of the screen? This is your chance to step in front of the camera and learn how to act for film and TV. Come along to one of our tailor-made Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting (YAFTA) workshops, all run by professional actress Rachel Watkinson.

Imagining Justice: Criminological fiction

Wednesday 13 June 2018

How can stories be used to reduce ideologically-motivated crime? Join Rafe McGregor of the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of York.

Buildings of Impossible Things

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Explore some of York’s beautiful and unique parish churches on a walking tour with the Churches Conservation Trust. Join us and learn how the supernatural and the impossible were imagined in the medieval mind and how this is beautifully reflected in the art, architecture and appearance of parish churches.

Re-staging Greek Tragedy Today

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Join Fiona Macintosh of the University of Oxford and Richard Rowland of the University of York as they explore the power that ancient Greek drama continues to exert over authors and theatre practitioners today.

Organising British Crime: James Morton in conversation with Mark Roodhouse

Tuesday 12 June 2018

James Morton, author of the bestselling Gangland series, talks with crime historian Mark Roodhouse about the challenges of researching and writing the history of serious and organised crime.

The Business of World Cup Football

Tuesday 12 June 2018

The Soccer World Cup is one of the most popular sporting events across the globe. In an event chaired by Greg Dyke, former Chairman of the Football Association, management historians Kevin Tennent and Alex Gillett of the University of York explain the organisation and marketing of some of the most successful world cups in history.

Sherlock Holmes Investigates the Impossible

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Join us for an event introduced by Ben Poore of the University of York and watch a selection of supernatural scenes from Sherlock Holmes stage dramas performed by University of York students, as well as having an opportunity to join in the discussion.

Bones: Imaging prehistoric and modern women

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Join biological anthropologist Alison Macintosh of the University of Cambridge as she explains how scientists are using cutting-edge imaging technologies and the study of living athletes to better understand variation in women's bone strength, as well as body size, muscle, and fat.

A War to End Faith? Religion and the British soldier in the First World War

Tuesday 12 June 2018

This year marks 100 years since the Armistice in November 1918 – the end of the Frist World War. Most assume the war caused widespread loss of religious belief in Britain, but in fact religion was vital to inspiring and sustaining the nation, especially the British Army.

Ladders and Greasy Poles: Social mobility today

Tuesday 12 June 2018

What does social mobility really mean in Britain today? Is establishing a meritocracy a realistic, or even a desirable, social goal? Our panel of speakers includes educationalists and social activists Melissa Benn, Diane Reay and Terry Wrigley.

Edvard Munch: The brighter years - CANCELLED

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

Imagining Ancient Egypt

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Egyptologist and broadcaster Joann Fletcher explains how current imaging techniques which recreate artefacts in a virtual sense, with obvious benefits for conservation, can also be used to place them back into their original ancient setting.

Imagine If…

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Imagine if Tim Berners-Lee had never considered a world where information could be freely accessed via a web, or Emmeline Pankhurst had not spoken out. Meet inspiring University of York PhD students and hear how their imagination is leading to life-changing research. At an event hosted by the former Director General of the BBC Greg Dyke, they have just three minutes each to explain how their ideas can lead to positive changes.

A World without Violence against Women - CANCELLED

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

Zombies in York

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Zombies have taken over York and brought the city to a standstill – but we were quick enough to catch one! Come along and get involved as University of York scientists dissect the captured zombie in front of a live audience. This gruesome interactive event has hands-on opportunities to study the infectious agent causing the outbreak.

Imagining a World without Food Waste

Tuesday 12 June 2018

How can we move from our ‘throwaway society’ to a world without food waste? Our expert panel from industry, policy, academia and non-governmental organisations will discuss the challenges and opportunities of preventing food waste across the food supply chain from farm to fork.

The Archaeology of Magic: Charms and amulets

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Join Adam Parker of the Yorkshire Museum as he explains how archaeology allows us to find magic’s traces. Using objects from the Museum’s collections, Adam highlights some of the weird and wonderful amulets and charms Yorkshire people have used to protect themselves.

Paradise Found: How one place can work for everybody

Tuesday 12 June 2018

York is known as a great place to live, work and visit, with a thriving economy, strong community and healthy environment. We know healthy places make healthy people, but how can we ensure the city continues to support and enhance people’s health, wellbeing and prosperity?

Tomorrow’s Leaders: Imagining our future

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Students on the University of York’s Laidlaw scholarship programme present their ideas for tackling global challenges and shaping the future of health, education and the arts. The ResearchBites exhibition showcases cutting edge postgraduate research from the Universities of York and York St John, and there's a chance to watch the final round of the North Yorkshire Coast Higher Education Collaboration’s Give me Five competition.

The Writing in the Stone

Monday 11 June 2018

Join Irving Finkel, the bestselling author of The Ark Before Noah: Decoding the Story of the Flood, to find out how he discovers and deciphers text from clay tablets to reveal ancient Mesopotamia.

Can we Save the Past? The case of Herculaneum

Monday 11 June 2018

Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, former Director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project, looks back on the challenges and revelations of a project which, for 15 years, has battled to preserve the remains of Herculaneum.

Seeing Ourselves: Women’s Self-Portraits

Monday 11 June 2018

For centuries, women’s self-portraiture was a highly overlooked genre. Beginning with the self-portraits of nuns in medieval illuminated manuscripts, Frances Borzello finally gives this richly diverse range of artists and portraits, spanning centuries, the critical analysis they deserve.

We Are the Dreamers of Dreams

Monday 11 June 2018

‘We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams …’ York Musical Society sings Elgar’s setting of O’Shaughnessy’s poem The Music Makers, together with Brahms’ Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) at this open rehearsal.

Ciné Lumière: L'homme de Rio

Monday 11 June 2018

Join us a special film screening of the 1964 comedy classic L'Homme de Rio (That Man from Rio) directed by Philippe de Broca. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Françoise Dorléac, it follows the extravagant adventures of a young man who comes to the rescue of his girlfriend who has been abducted by thieves and brought to Rio.

Dare to Dream of Truly Inclusive Language

Monday 11 June 2018

Join Helen Sauntson and Clare Cunningham of York St John University for a workshop challenging you to think again about how language creates or denies people respect and safety.

In the Shadow of the Moon: A rehearsed sharing - CANCELLED

Monday 11 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

The Afterlives of Medieval Kings

Monday 11 June 2018

When it comes to the reputations of medieval kings, anything is possible. Historians Katherine Lewis, of the University of Huddersfield, and Mark Ormrod and Sarah Rees Jones of the University of York show how new discoveries and ideas have allowed us to re-imagine three famous English monarchs: Edward III, Henry V and Richard III.

Representations of the Body: The Female Nude in Egyptian Modern Art 1939–1963 - CANCELLED

Monday 11 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.

Guinea Worm Disease: Using DNA detection to break the life cycle

Monday 11 June 2018

Guinea worm disease, also known as Dracunculiasis, is a debilitating condition contracted by drinking unfiltered water containing tiny crustaceans infested with Guinea worm larvae. Jenny Tomlinson of Fera Science Limited will explain how to break the life cycle, people need to avoid drinking contaminated water - which is where Fera comes in.

Living the Life More Fabulous: Beauty, style and empowerment for older women

Monday 11 June 2018

Online beauty guru Tricia Cusden offers advice on feeling stylish and happy, encouraging older women to live their lives to the full.

The Shape of Things to Come? Life in the quantum age

Monday 11 June 2018

Our panel of experts will introduce the current state of affairs in quantum technologies and offer a glimpse of tangible applications that will transform everyday life including driverless vehicles, cameras that see around corners and through solid walls (and inside the human body), and supercomputers that can develop and test new drugs outside the lab.

Zombies in York

Monday 11 June 2018

Zombies have taken over York and brought the city to a standstill – but we were quick enough to catch one! Come along and get involved as University of York scientists dissect the captured zombie in front of a live audience. This gruesome interactive event has hands-on opportunities to study the infectious agent causing the outbreak.

The Lifeboat That Saved the World

Monday 11 June 2018

Based on an ancient Mesopotamian story, the children’s book The Lifeboat That Saved the World retells the tale of a man charged with saving the world from a life-destroying flood. Join Irving Finkel, the bestselling author of The Ark Before Noah and Assistant Keeper of Ancient Mesopotamian artefacts at the British Museum, for an exhilarating look into the past.

Imagining Sustainable Electronics

Monday 11 June 2018

Join University of York scientists for an interactive workshop investigating a technology we are all reliant on, if not addicted to - mobile phones. Dismantle phones, inspect their component parts and discuss where the materials are sourced and where they end up at the end of the phone’s life.

Liquid Traces: The left-to-die boat case

Sunday 10 June 2018

Join us for a film screening of Liquid Traces: The Left-to-Die Boat Case (2014) directed by Charles Heller and Lorenzo Pezzani (Forensic Oceanography). The screening will be introduced by Martha Cattell and Kyveli Lignou-Tsamantani, Art History PhD Students at the University of York.

I, Maybot: The rise and fall

Sunday 10 June 2018

Throughout 2017, the Guardian’s parliamentary sketch writer John Crace watched Theresa May’s efforts to remain strong and stable - and, indeed, Prime Minister. He coined the term 'Maybot' for her malfunctioning public appearances.

A Revolution in Universities

Sunday 10 June 2018

Our experts, including Corine Eyraud of Aix-Marseille University and Peter Mandler of the University of Cambridge, examine the transition to mass education.

A New Map of Wonders: A journey in search of modern marvels

Sunday 10 June 2018

Writer Caspar Henderson charts a course through the realm of the fascinating and awe-inspiring.

Revolutions in History Writing

Sunday 10 June 2018

Discover how national narratives are written in France and Britain with historians Helen Rogers of Liverpool John Moores University and Stephen Sawyer, American University of Paris. Topics discussed include the School of Les Annales – changes and revolutions.

The Deadly Trade: The Complete History of Submarine Warfare

Sunday 10 June 2018

Naval writer Iain Ballantyne presents the dramatic and largely untold story of submarine warfare from its inception centuries ago through the world wars to today.

From Railway to Greenway: The making of the Solar System Greenway

Sunday 10 June 2018

Join us for a guided walk or cycle ride - or make your own way – and discover the stories behind the Solar System Greenway.

Industrial Revolutions and Social Welfare in France and Britain

Sunday 10 June 2018

Our speakers including Alexis Litvine of the University of Cambridge, Chris Renwick of the University of York, Mike Savage of the London School of Economics (LSE) and Marie Thébaud-Sorger of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) examine the mythologies of industrial revolutions and social welfare.

The Historic Yorkshire Word Hunt

Sunday 10 June 2018

George loves collecting old Yorkshire words, but unfortunately some have gone astray! Collect a map and help George put the words back into his dictionary where they belong. Suitable for all the family, this short walk through York city centre reintroduces lost or forgotten words from Yorkshire’s history and provides a new outlook on York’s heritage.

Witchcraft and Wizardry

Sunday 10 June 2018

Muggles and would-be witches and wizards are invited to join a celebration of all things magical at our Harry Potter-inspired day. Prepare to be spellbound by divination, stupefied by potions, enchanted by magical creatures and mesmerised by parseltongue as you enter our magical realm.

My Life as of NAO

Saturday 9 June 2018

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances this event has been cancelled.

Art, Activism and the Political Imagination

Saturday 9 June 2018

Taking inspiration from a film documenting experimental arts-based research with activists and artists in Bangladesh and Uganda, you are invited to think about how the arts can help us imagine a different world.

Cryptocurrency: Hype or technological revolution?

Saturday 9 June 2018

Featuring a keynote speech by the internationally-recognised World Wide Web pioneer Bebo White, our event explores the past, present and (possible) future of these phenomena from both a technological and social perspective. Is this all just hype or the precursor to a new technological revolution?

Reporting from the Front Line

Saturday 9 June 2018

As part of our Focus Day on Achieving Peace in the Middle East we ask what’s it like to report from the front line. Join Middle East reporter Kareem Shaheen of the Guardian to discover what it’s like to work in the most difficult social and geographical environments.

Coins: Exploring the unexpected

Saturday 9 June 2018

Presenting examples from 2,000 years of coinage, from Roman Britain to the Second World War, Barry Crump explores the unusual and unexpected ways coins can be used and understood.

Nowherelands: An atlas of vanished countries 1840-1975

Saturday 9 June 2018

Drawing on fiction, eye-witness accounts and historical sources, writer Bjørn Berge casts an unconventional eye over lost nations. Join him to hear the stories of countries that once existed but have now have been erased from the map.

Gender Revolutions

Saturday 9 June 2018

Join us for a keynote speech by Laura Lee Downs of the European University Institute (IWE) on comparing feminisms throughout Europe, followed by a discussion of gender issues across Europe with panellists Sean Brady of Birkbeck College, University of London and Máire Cross of Newcastle University.

Syria: Pathways to Resolution

Saturday 9 June 2018

Join experts including award-winning journalist Gareth Browne of The National, Alia Brahimi of Legatus Global, and John McHugo, author of Syria: A Recent History, as we explore the causes, impacts and consequences of war in Syria and whether peace is achievable.

Space, Traps and Animated Apps

Saturday 9 June 2018

Ecopreneur Simon Holland takes you on a journey to explore how satellites, environmental science and large scale insect traps can be combined with animations to help farmers in developing countries protect and manage their crops.

Revolutions and Empires

Saturday 9 June 2018

Join our expert speakers, David Andress of the University of Portsmouth, Charlotte Riley of the University of Southampton and Sujit Sivasundaram of the University of Cambridge, as they discuss the French Revolution and ideas of empire in France and Britain.

Book Making for Families

Saturday 9 June 2018

Could you be a bookmaker? Join staff from York Minster and York Explore Library and find out about early printing and handwritten books.

Re-imagining the Sacred

Saturday 9 June 2018

Join Brian Cummings of the University of York as he explores pre and post Reformation sacred language in relation to the Book of Common Prayer.

HERSTORY.YORK: Making invisible women visible

Saturday 9 June 2018

Learn about an ambitious work in progress which aims to tell the untold (or not sufficiently told) stories of 100 women – ‘change makers’ – who were active in York between 1918 and 2018. These ‘invisible’ women inspired others, challenged the status quo and changed society for the better.

Festival Fringe Family Fun Afternoon

Saturday 9 June 2018

Join us for an afternoon of energetic, crafty, puzzling, scientific and historical fun with University of York postgraduate students and staff at this year’s Festival Fringe Family Fun Afternoon. No ticket needed – just come along!

Making the Monster: The science behind Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Saturday 9 June 2018

Chemist and author Kathryn Harkup takes a thrilling and gruesome look at the science that influenced Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Is there any science fact behind the science fiction?

Conditions Necessary for Peace

Saturday 9 June 2018

Ellen Laipson, Director of the International Security Program at George Mason University, a Middle East expert with 25 years government experience, presents the keynote speech. Next speakers, including Martyn Frampton, author of The Muslim Brotherhood and the West, Carly Beckerman of Durham University and Jacob Eriksson of the University of York, explore contemporary issues affecting peace in the Middle East, and how and if peace can ever be achieved.

Were the 1960s a Revolution?

Saturday 9 June 2018

From Twiggy to Mr Wilson, we discuss the Swinging 60s. Join top historians including Lawrence Black of the University of York and Florence Tamagne of the University of Lille.

Soapbox Science

Saturday 9 June 2018

Come and listen to top female scientists as they take science to the streets of York – standing on a soapbox! Now in its eighth year, Soapbox Science promises a summer of excitement, fun and fantastic science with events across the world.

Explore the Impossible!

Saturday 9 June 2018

Drop into York Explore Library and build the impossible with Lego. Take a journey into the past or construct a York of the future - you decide.

Making Peace in the Middle East: Lessons and legacies from international diplomacy

Saturday 9 June 2018

More than 20 years on from the Oslo Accords, our Focus Day examines how peace can be achieved in the Middle East. Our keynote speakers are Ambassador Martin Indyk, former U.S. Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations at the U.S. Department of State, Petter Bauck, Editor of The Oslo Accords: A Critical Assessment and Uzi Rabi, Director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, Tel Aviv University.

Fish ‘n’ Ships: Fishing through time

Saturday 9 June 2018

What can old fish bones tell us? Lots! Everything from the diet of our ancestors to what the oceans looked like in the past. Join us at King's Manor where archaeologists, ecologists and historians from the University of York will explain how people throughout history caught, farmed, prepared, cooked, traded and disposed of fish.

AnDa Union: From the Steppes to the city

Saturday 9 June 2018

From the Steppes to the City is a rare insight into a forgotten land and nomadic life on the furthest edges of China, home to more than six million Mongolians. The documentary film, directed by Sophie Lascelles and Tim Pearce, follows AnDa Union, a ten-strong group of young musicians, as they travel through the beautiful grasslands of Inner Mongolia.

Seebohm Rowntree Re-considered

Saturday 9 June 2018

Seebohm Rowntree was a major figure locally, nationally and internationally, known through his pioneering work on poverty, as well as other areas of social action and concern. Join Jonathan Bradshaw and Bill Sheils of the University of York as they examine the context of Rowntree’s work in the early 20th century and consider its importance and relevance in today’s world.

Buildings of Impossible Things

Saturday 9 June 2018

Explore some of York’s beautiful and unique parish churches on a walking tour with the Churches Conservation Trust. Join us and learn how the supernatural and the impossible were imagined in the medieval mind and how this is beautifully reflected in the art, architecture and appearance of parish churches.

Cornstarch Decorated Paper Workshop

Saturday 9 June 2018

Come along and create your own decorative papers using cornstarch paste. This simple and versatile method was developed by bookbinders as an easy and inexpensive way to create unique covers and end papers. Find out why it’s also a great way of making greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorative boxes and more.

The Historic Yorkshire Word Hunt

Saturday 9 June 2018

George loves collecting old Yorkshire words, but unfortunately some have gone astray! Collect a map and help George put the words back into his dictionary where they belong. Suitable for all the family, this short walk through York city centre reintroduces lost or forgotten words from Yorkshire’s history and provides a new outlook on York’s heritage.

York’s Dark Past: Crime, punishment and justice

Saturday 9 June 2018

Delve into York’s dark past as we investigate the city’s hidden secrets and reveal the history of crime, justice and punishment. Take a tour of the Debtors’ Prison at York Castle Museum or join us for a guided crime walk. Of if you prefer to take things at your own pace, be among the first to try out a new self-guided podcast walking tour.

Of Women: In the 21st century

Friday 8 June 2018

Join leading human rights campaigner and Shadow Attorney General Shami Chakrabarti for a powerful, urgent and timely discussion of why women still need equality, and how we get there.

Question Time: A journey round Britain’s quizzes

Friday 8 June 2018

Travel writer and quiz fan Mark Mason decided to combine two of his greatest loves by setting off on a tour of Britain's quizzes. From a pub quiz in Edinburgh to a charity quiz in Hampshire, from a corporate quiz in Birmingham to a journalists' quiz in Parliament, he finds answers aplenty while asking some questions of his own.

The Leonard Cohen Exhibition: Between devotional tribute and critical exercise

Friday 8 June 2018

Find out about the making of the Leonard Cohen: Une brèche en toute chose / A Crack in Everything exhibition with John Zeppetelli, Director and Chief Curator of the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal.

You Are Wolf: Keld

Friday 8 June 2018

You Are Wolf, an alt-folk band, explore traditional songs and stories through bold arrangements influenced by leftfield pop, new classical music and electronica.

The Chimera Ensemble

Friday 8 June 2018

The Chimera Ensemble, the University of York’s new music group, presents an eclectic mix of contemporary works. These include Romitelli’s Francis Bacon-inspired Blood on the Floor, Painting, a brooding piece; and Louis Andriessen’s energetic and violent piece, Workers Union, as well as new works by student composers.

My Life as of NAO

Friday 8 June 2018

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances this event has been cancelled.

End of Life Care and Support

Friday 8 June 2018

Lord Michael Howard, Chair of Hospice UK, discusses the major issues faced by providers of end of life care. How can hospices deliver the highest quality of care to people with terminal or life-threatening conditions, and support their families?

Eggs or Anarchy

Friday 8 June 2018

Food writer William Sitwell reveals the heroic tale of how Lord Woolton, Minister for Food, fed Britain and its colonies during World War II.

Laurence Sterne: A sentimental picture

Friday 8 June 2018

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the death of novelist Laurence Sterne and of the publication of his last book, A Sentimental Journey. Taking their cue from Sterne - who famously wrote about the impossibility of writing - our speakers and performers examine the theme of writing the impossible and the impossibility of writing.

The Mughal Queen Nur Jahan as a Patron of the Arts

Friday 8 June 2018

Mehreen Chida-Razvi of SOAS, University of London introduces Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir and aunt to Mumtaz Mahal, whose tomb the Taj Mahal holds and commemorates. Join us and learn about the influence of a Muslim queen.

How Science Made the Victorian Future

Friday 8 June 2018

Professor Marmaduke Salt of the Royal Panopticon of Popular Science (Iwan Rhys Morus of Aberystwyth University) performs spectacular electrical experiments onstage. Find out how people in Victorian times thought about the future and how they thought it would come about.

UK Tuition Fees: The future of university financing

Friday 8 June 2018

What is the future of university financing? Join experts speakers including Amatey Doku, Vice President (Higher Education) of the National Union of Students, Jack Britton of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Lorenza Antonucci of the University of Birmingham and Diana Beech of the Higher Education Policy Institute.

York Law School 10-year Anniversary Moot

Friday 8 June 2018

As part of the York Law School’s tenth anniversary celebrations, you are invited to a public moot featuring two teams of students from the School, with Shadow Attorney General Shami Chakrbarti acting as judge.

Prison Terminal: Dying in prison

Friday 8 June 2018

Join us for a special screening of Prison Terminal, a poignant Oscar-nominated documentary about the last days of a terminally ill man in a USA prison and the hospice volunteers, themselves prisoners, caring for him.

Brexit, Culture Wars and Universities

Friday 8 June 2018

What is the role of universities in post-Brexit Britain? Following a keynote speech by Nicky Morgan MP, former Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, our panellists discuss whether universities have lost public trust in the aftermath of Brexit and how they can better engage with the public.

Social Mobility, Skills and an Inclusive Economy

Friday 8 June 2018

What is the value of UK universities and what is their place in the economy? Experts including Lee Elliot Major, Chief Executive of The Sutton Trust, Claire Crawford of the University of Warwick, Kate Barclay of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Andy Westwood of the University of Manchester address the relationship between universities, skills training, and social mobility.

Lessons from Australia: What can UK education learn from Australia?

Friday 8 June 2018

Join Margaret Gardner, Vice-Chancellor of Monash University and Chair of Universities Australia, as she discusses education in the age of disruption and innovation with BBC News Education Correspondent Sean Coughlan. What lessons can we learn from the Australian higher education sector?

From Iowa, USA to York: Choral concert

Friday 8 June 2018

American choristers from Iowa City West High School present a varied programme of music constructed around our Festival theme ‘imagining the impossible’.

Fish ‘n’ Ships: Fishing through time

Friday 8 June 2018

What can old fish bones tell us? Lots! Everything from the diet of our ancestors to what the oceans looked like in the past. Join us at King's Manor where archaeologists, ecologists and historians from the University of York will explain how people throughout history caught, farmed, prepared, cooked, traded and disposed of fish.

The Impact, Value and Future of UK Universities

Friday 8 June 2018

What are universities for? Who are they for? How do they enhance society? Join Lord David Willetts, Executive Chair of the Resolution Foundation and former Minister for Universities and Science, and William Whyte, author of Redbrick: A Social and Architectural History of Britain’s Civic Universities, as they put the issues into context.

Frankenstein at 200: The science of the novel

Thursday 7 June 2018

Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Mary Fairclough of the University of York discusses the science of the novel. Learn how this relates to early 19th-century studies in medicine, chemistry and electricity, and how Shelley’s presentation of the animation of the creature anticipates more recent developments in medical ethics.

My Life as of NAO

Thursday 7 June 2018

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances this event has been cancelled.

Inside the Learning Revolution

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join education expert Alex Beard for a dazzling tour of the future of learning as he shows how today we can - and must - do better. He will lead you from the crowded corridors of a South London comprehensive to the high-tech halls of Silicon Valley, through the exam factories of South Korea to the inclusive classrooms of Finland.

Necromancers, Scientists and Angry Bulls

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join Phillip Roberts, a researcher with the National Science and Media Museum and the University of York, for a tour of the early history of projection and learn how the magic lantern was made, mocked, stolen and sold over its 300-year history.

Yorkshire: A lyrical history of England’s greatest county

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join Richard Morris and find out why Yorkshire has been such a key place in times of tension and struggle.

What’s Been in my Pond?

Thursday 7 June 2018

Eleanor Jones of Fera Science Limited discusses the emerging area of research called ‘environmental DNA’. Find out how it has been used to identify whether a particular animal or plant lives in a pond from a water sample, or what plants are in an area by trapping the pollen in the air.

Reinventing the North: From Rome to Rowntree

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join historical tour guide Peter Edwards for a walking tour as he challenges some of the stereotypes of Yorkshire and the North. Find out why Yorkshire deserves a more prominent role in the national historical narrative and why the county’s experience of the ‘story of Britain’ is very different to that of the narrative promoted by popular history.

Outnumbered: Exploring the algorithms that control our lives

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join author David Sumpter for a journey to the dark side of mathematics, from how it dictates our social media activities to our travel routes.

The Self-care Project: How to let go of frazzle and make time for you

Thursday 7 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to cancel this event

Ocean Liners: Speed and style

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join Ghislaine Wood, co-curator of the V&A's Ocean Liners exhibition, as she explores the design and cultural impact of the ocean liner around the world. Find out about some of the hidden design stories of some of the world's greatest ocean liners, including the Titanic, Normandie, the Queen Mary and the Canberra.

BBC Reith Lectures: The Mark of Cain

Thursday 7 June 2018

In the second of her BBC Reith Lectures, eminent historian Margaret MacMillan addresses why men, and less often, women fight. Why are we both repulsed by and attracted to war?

Behind the Scenes with York Archaeological Trust

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join York Archaeological Trust curators for a guided tour behind the scenes at YAT’s Archaeological Resource Centre. Learn what happens to the amazing artefacts that aren’t on public display and how they continue to be put to work to enhance our understanding of the past.

Singing for Health

Thursday 7 June 2018

Join us for a stimulating and active day, learning about the health and wellbeing benefits of singing. We’ll explore the insights and ideas of Elizabethan composer William Byrd, whose writing on the health benefits of singing rings true today.

Archives Blitz-It!

Thursday 7 June 2018

Did you know Explore York Archives holds over 1.5 miles of archives if you placed them end to end? Join archivists for this hands-on workshop, helping them to process some of these archives before they are made available to the public.

Listening to the Commons: 200 years of women in Parliament

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Did you know women had a ‘presence’ in Parliament before 1918? Join us and learn how the Listening to the Commons project is recovering the soundscape of debate experienced by women gathering around a ventilator in the House of Commons ceiling c.1800 to 1834.

The Illustrated Dust Jacket 1920-1970

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Martin Salisbury, author of The Illustrated Dust Jacket 1920-1970, discusses the life and work of some of the leading artists and illustrators of the period and explains how they rose to the wide-ranging challenges posed by format and subject matter.

Language Change as Competition

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Join us at York Café Scientifique as Ann Taylor of the University of York explores how language change works.

Creating Stories on Screen: Acting workshops for adults

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Ever fancied being a star of the screen? This is your chance to step in front of the camera and learn how to act for film and TV. Come along to one of our tailor-made Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting (YAFTA) workshops, all run by professional actress Rachel Watkinson.

How to Do Good

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Inspirational personal stories from some extraordinary people making a difference in our world. The acclaimed ‘How to do good’ tour mixes performance with challenging and stimulating speeches and discussion about how everyone can help to address some of the great humanitarian challenges of our age – from the refugee and migration crises to gender equality, healthcare and education.

Liquid Traces: The left-to-die boat case

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Join us for a film screening of Liquid Traces: The Left-to-Die Boat Case (2014) directed by Charles Heller and Lorenzo Pezzani (Forensic Oceanography). The screening will be introduced by Martha Cattell and Kyveli Lignou-Tsamantani, Art History PhD Students at the University of York.

Frankenstein: A night at the movies

Wednesday 6 June 2018

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, we present aspecial festival screening of the 1931 film adaptation of the same name. The screening will be introduced by Jon Mee and Mary Fairclough of the University of York.

Paths to the Past: Landscapes reconsidered

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Archaeologist Francis Pryor, a long-standing member of Channel 4’s Time Team, shows how the landscape can reveal unexpected insights on life in the past.

The Qur’ans of Uljaytu

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Alison Ohta of the Royal Asiatic Society will discuss the beautifully illuminated Qur'ans produced for the Ilkhan Uljaytu (r.1307-1314).

Travels in Time, Fiction and Physics

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Is time travel possible? How realistic are science fiction ideas if you analyse them scientifically? Join maths and sociology researchers from the University of York to learn about ideas of time, paradoxes, and wormholes, and discuss how time travel is approached in physics and popular science fiction.

Creating Stories on Screen: Acting workshops for teenagers

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Ever fancied being a star of the screen? This is your chance to step in front of the camera and learn how to act for film and TV. Come along to one of our tailor-made Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting (YAFTA) workshops, all run by professional actress Rachel Watkinson.

Eleanor Catton in Conversation

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Eleanor Catton is one of New Zealand's most prominent contemporary novelists, whose second novel The Luminaries won the 2013 Man Booker Prize. In a UK exclusive event, Eleanor will read from her current work and discuss her fiction in conversation with Alexandra Kingston-Reese of the University of York.

Romeo and Juliet and Vampires: Supernatural Shakespeare in young adult novels and films

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Join Sarah Olive and discuss ways in which vampire Romeo and Juliets might be lending society a helping hand in terms of relationships education. The ubiquitous Twilight saga will feature alongside the lesser known Stacey Jay, John Ajvide Lindqvist and Lori Handeland.

Fashion Photography: The story in pictures

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Fashion chronicler Eugénie Shinkle, author of Fashion Photography: The Story in 180 Pictures, explores the profound influence that fashion photography has had over the past century.

Creating Stories on Screen: Acting workshops for children

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Ever fancied being a star of the screen? This is your chance to step in front of the camera and learn how to act for film and TV. Come along to one of our tailor-made Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting (YAFTA) workshops, all run by professional actress Rachel Watkinson.

Ways to Wellbeing

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Jasmine Howard of York CVS explains how Ways to Wellbeing - York’s version of social prescribing - is connecting people to local community support to help them feel better. The audience will also be treated to a set from The Bad Bargain Band, a Tang Hall SMART community music ensemble.

The Mozart Question: Music and story in performance

Tuesday 5 June 2018

Author Michael Morpurgo returns to York with a moving performance of his book, The Mozart Question – a remarkable story of friendship and family, truth and secrets, set against the background of the Holocaust.

The Frighteners: Why we love monsters, ghosts, death & gore

Tuesday 5 June 2018

Have you ever wondered why so many people love things that are spooky, morbid and downright repellent? Peter Laws, a Baptist minister with a penchant for the macabre, set out on a quest to find out.

Child’s Eye Virtual Reality View of a Hospital Visit

Tuesday 5 June 2018

Learn about a free award-winning app designed to help children who are scared and anxious about having an MRI scan. Developed by MRI physicists Jonathan Ashmore and Cormac McGrath, the app prepares children for scans via a 360° virtual reality video of the entire MRI journey.

A Dinosaur Called Alan: Virtually

Tuesday 5 June 2018

A past resident of Yorkshire, a huge dinosaur nicknamed Alan, takes pride of place in the Yorkshire Museum’s new exhibition, Yorkshire’s Jurassic World. Only one of Alan’s bones remains, but through virtual reality (VR) technology, visitors can meet a fully rendered relative, walk around in his world and even feed him – all within the confines of the gallery space.

Discovery Zone

Saturday 2 June 2018

Find out about some of the exciting research being carried out in York. With lots of hands-on, interactive activities, this fun event – held right in the heart of the city - is suitable for all the family.

Discovery Zone

Friday 1 June 2018

Find out about some of the exciting research being carried out in York. With lots of hands-on, interactive activities, this fun event – held right in the heart of the city - is suitable for all the family.