With hundreds of free events over two weeks exploring the theme of power and resistance, the Cambridge Festival of Ideas is one of the most exciting and dynamic occasions in the Cambridge cultural calendar. The Festival includes debates, workshops, talks, exhibitions, and performances, celebrating the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Featuring researchers from the University of Cambridge, local public figures, and renowned guests, the Festival is guaranteed to have something for everyone!

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 focuses on fuelling the public’s interest in and involvement with the arts, humanities and social sciences in a unique and inspiring way. It aims to gauge the similarities and differences in the approaches to public engagement required for science, technology, engineering and maths, and for the arts, humanities and social sciences.