The University of Cambridge is preparing to host the 2026 Cambridge Festival, an expansive city-wide celebration dedicated to exploring some of the most pressing questions shaping our contemporary world. This major event will transform Cambridge into a hub of intellectual and creative exchange, running from March 16 to April 2, 2026.
A Diverse Programme Tackling Global Challenges
The festival's comprehensive programme, comprising over 350 individual events, is designed to engage the public with critical topics. It will delve into the profound implications of artificial intelligence, the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies, strategies for climate repair, and the complex effects of ongoing social and political change. The format is exceptionally varied, including thought-provoking talks, lively debates, captivating performances, insightful exhibitions, hands-on activities, and deeply immersive experiences. A significant highlight is that the majority of these events will be completely free to attend, ensuring wide accessibility.
Renowned Speakers and Thought Leaders
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from an impressive roster of high-profile speakers and experts. This year's line-up features prominent figures such as Carol Vorderman, Lord Martin Rees, Mark Z Jacobson, Giles Yeo, Malik Al Nasir, Charles Clarke, and Dr Adam Rutherford. They will be joined by hundreds of Cambridge University's own leading researchers and various partner organisations, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.
Key Themes and Family-Friendly Activities
The event schedule promises to explore urgent themes including truth and misinformation in the digital age, the future trajectory of AI, innovations in public health, practical interventions for climate change, and the enduring legacies of empire and systemic racism. Discussions will also focus on how societies can effectively navigate widespread uncertainty, growing inequality, and the pace of rapid technological change.
Families and younger audiences are warmly encouraged to participate, with a dedicated offering of interactive science demonstrations and creative activities designed to inspire. Furthermore, immersive art installations and special performances will invite all visitors to engage with these topics on both an emotional and intellectual level. Notable highlights anticipated for 2026 include the Ice Explorers exhibit, the Echo Worlds installation, and a series of dynamic workshops that vividly bring concepts of climate science, technology, and engineering to life.
Festival Logistics and Booking Information
The full festival programme and ticket sales are scheduled to launch on February 16, 2026. This festival serves as a vital public platform to explore difficult questions, spark genuine curiosity, and collectively imagine possible futures—all grounded in rigorous academic research, lived human experience, and boundless creativity. For complete details and to secure tickets for any paid events, the public is advised to visit the official Cambridge Festival website from the February 16 launch date.
