There are few more engaging events on the Sheffield social calendar than Festival of the Mind. The prestigious occasions celebrates a coming together of academics and professionals from across the city in an absorbing 10-day flurry of workshops and talks. Across four festivals every two years, the event has rapidly grown in size and popularity, going from crowds of 16,000 in 2012 to over 50,000 in 2016.
An augmented reality tour of Sheffield’s lost castle, the inaugural performance of the world’s oldest English novel and a macabre recreation of a charnel (bone) chapel are the picks of the historical exhibitions. Looking forward, exhibitions and experiences based on a National Food Service and Universal Basic Income explore how restructuring society might bring us closer to an ideal shared quality of life.
Live music will be taking place around the city on Friday 28 September, taking in a wide variety of venues and genres. To coincide with BBC Music Day, Steve Lamacq will broadcast his 6 Music show live from the giant Spielgeltent in Barker’s Pool featuring artist interviews, acoustic performances and the finest indie tunes. Head here for the full lineup.
Founder Professor Vanessa Toulmin, director of city and culture at the University of Sheffield, describes the festival as showcasing “the latest pioneering research that is being conducted at the University alongside some of the city’s most talented artists and creative professionals”. She sees Sheffield as a “hub of inclusion, creativity and collaboration.”
Take a look at the programme of events online, pick out whatever takes your fancy before heading down, getting involved and engaging the mind.
Festival of the Mind takes place between 20 – 30 September. More info can be found at festivalofthemind.group.shef.ac.uk
