Thanks to the generosity of the University, our sponsors and partners, most events are free to attend. Our ethos has not changed — the new Cambridge Festival brings together some of our best events in new and exciting ways.
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.
Listen to recordings from Cambridge Science Festivals past on Soundcloud.
Looking for the Cambridge (USA) Science Festival? You can find them at: cambridgesciencefestival.org.
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.
Listen to recordings from Cambridge Festival of Ideas past on Soundcloud.
Find out about our other events such as Open Cambridge at cam.ac.uk/public-engagement.