The University is throwing open its doors to the public in the autumn as part of its second Festival of Ideas, during the University’s 800th anniversary year. The Festival of Ideas is brought to you by the team behind the Cambridge Science Festival.

With over 150 events, visitors of all ages will be given the opportunity to explore the big ideas behind history, literature, politics and much more. Find out about how the study of arts, humanities and social sciences helps us understand vital issues past, present and future. We’ve got performances, taster sessions, film screenings, exhibitions and debates taking place throughout the Festival and a Saturday full of hands on workshops and engaging talks on 24 October.

Dr Starkey will give the first Mark Piggott lecture on Henry VIII. Other talks and debates include Dame Julia Neuberger, Professor David Ford, Sheikh Michael Mumisa and philosopher Professor Simon Blackburn on whether a new morality is needed for the 21st century.

The Festival, which runs from 21st October to 1st November, celebrates the arts, humanities and social sciences and drew over 5,000 people in its first year in 2008. The aim is to open up the University to the public and inspire people to learn more about the ideas in arts, humanities and social sciences which have shaped and are shaping the world.

The debates, talks and events, most of which are free, will be set in university lecture halls, museums, art galleries and other venues around the town. The biggest day of the Festival will be Family Day on 24th October which will offer a range of activities for people of all ages, including talks by children’s authors Michael Morpurgo, Anna Perera, Patrick Ness and Caroline Lawrence.

Further information available at: www.cambridgefestivalofideas.org or telephone 01223 766766.