University of Warwick to host huge three-day festival with free family activities and fascinating speakers
Curious minds and lovers of books, comedy, science, music and more are set to descend on the University of Warwick as a free festival designed to entertain and inspire takes over the campus.
The University of Warwick’s year-round programme of public events, talks and workshops will culminate in the Resonate Festival in July – a free celebration with an eclectic mix of fun activities and fascinating speakers across three days on the University of Warwick campus.
Before a headline day for all ages on Saturday, July 8, a pair of ‘Resonate Lates’ events will take place at Warwick Arts Centre on Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6, with experts in women’s health and a music icon joined by an acclaimed novelist and one of the brains behind Gavin & Stacy.
GP and author Dr Nighat Arif will host a Q&A on perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause from 7pm on Wednesday to help people find solutions for their experiences and be able to support their loved ones.
West Midlands-based writing royalty Mike Gayle, author of twelve novels including Mr Commitment, Turning Thirty and Wish You Were Here, will then share stories from his more than 25 years as a novelist from 8.30pm.
Thursday will see the University of Warwick’s Professor Alex Sharpe deliver the final talk in a series exploring David Bowie. The talk, focusing on David Bowie and Ideas on Love, starts at 7pm.
Gavin & Stacy co-creator Ruth Jones, who studied a degree in Theatre Studies and Dramatic Arts at Warwick, will be talking about her new book, Love Untold, on the day of its paperback release.
Saturday’s ‘Resonate Day Out’ will be a creative, informative and joyful celebration of everyone who has been part of the Resonate Programme over the last 12 months.
Kicking off with comedy for ages six and up, children’s author and comedian James Campbell will host a side-splitting set from 12.30pm. From 2.30pm, BBC’s Stefan Gates will host Gastronaut, a food and science adventure aimed at 8–12-year-olds.
Indoor and outdoor activities including Lego engineering, circus skills and read-along sessions, will also take place across Warwick Arts Centre, the Oculus Building, and the new Faculty of Arts Building. Guests will be able to engage with science, languages, dance, maths, poetry and more.
The festival will be supported by Kenilworth Books, who will have a range of books to buy and get signed by special guest speakers. There will also be live music.
The Resonate Festival is free to attend but visitors must register for a general admission ticket, which will include a food or drink voucher. Additional tickets need to be booked for showcase events with Dr Nighat Arif, Mike Gayle, Professor Alex Sharpe, Ruth Jones, James Campbell and Stefan Gates due to limited capacity.
Dr Kerry Baker at the University of Warwick said: “After a jam-packed year of events both on campus and across Coventry and Warwickshire communities, we are thrilled to be hosting a huge celebration with an incredible range of speakers and activities to explore and enjoy.
“There is truly something for everyone, including plenty of fun to be had for visitors who aren’t joining us for one of our talks, with lots to see and do across three of our flagship spaces at the University of Warwick.
“Resonate is devised and delivered by university staff, students and community partners in coordination with leading academics, talented artists and entertainers to inspire and engage with people in the communities surrounding our campus, ultimately making the great things happening at Warwick accessible to all. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on what is set to be a brilliant three days.”
For more information and to book tickets visit www.resonatefestival.co.uk
