The Cambridge Festival, which runs annually each Spring, is a mixture of online, on-demand and in-person events covering all aspects of the world-leading research happening across Cambridge. At the festival you have the opportunity to meet some of the researchers and thought-leaders working in some of the pioneering fields that will impact us all.
There are always a strong and distinct platforms for the sciences and the arts, humanities and social sciences. And the Festival includes a uniquely Cambridge, eclectic mixture of over 350 events and activities: from panel discussions, film premieres, and self-guided walking tours, to interactive activities for the whole family. Topics cover the breadth of Cambridge research and will be presented across the Festival’s themes:
- Society
- Health
- Environment
- Discovery
The Cambridge Festival
The Cambridge Festival came about in 2019 when the Cambridge Science Festival and The Festival of Ideas announced their intention to merge to create a single event.
Thanks to the generosity of the University and the festival’s sponsors and partners, most events are free to attend. The Festival’s ethos has not changed — the new Cambridge Festival brings together some of the best events from both original festivals in new and exciting ways.
Want to know what’s on at this year’s Cambridge Festival? CLICK HERE
Cambridge Science Festival
The Science Festival provided the public with opportunities to explore and discuss issues of scientific interest and concern and to raise aspirations by encouraging young people to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
In its final years, it welcomed visitors to hundreds of events and received extensive national and local media coverage, with more than 170 event coordinators assisted by around 1,000 staff and students from departments and organisations across the University and research institutions, charities and industry in the eastern region. In addition, over 150 people volunteered their time to act as stewards to ensure visitors had a safe and enjoyable Festival experience.
Festival of Ideas
The Cambridge Festival of Ideas was established in 2008 with the aim of encouraging the public to explore the arts, humanities and social sciences, meet academics and students, and engage with the University via a thought-provoking and creative series of mostly free events.
The inspiration for the launch of the Festival of Ideas was the widespread popularity of the annual Cambridge Science Festival and the valuable communication experience that staff and students gain through engaging with the public.
The Festival of Ideas focused on fuelling the public’s interest in and involvement with the arts, humanities and social sciences in a unique and inspiring way.
