The Cambridge Festival: Where History Meets the Future

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world. You might know what some of its great alumni have contributed to the field of science. For example, I’m sure you know that Sir Isaac Newton provided the formula for calculating gravity and Charles Darwin introduced the world to the idea of evolution. But do you know what research the university is involved in today?

Well, the University of Cambridge thinks that people should know what they are doing, and that is why every March we have the Cambridge Festival. It is a 17-day celebration of arts, sciences, and ideas that shape our world. During the festival, members of the public and potential future scientists are able to attend lectures, workshops, and other events that showcase the work of the university, its partners, and other Cambridge-based organisations.

What can you expect in 2026?

This year, the festival runs from 16 March to 2 April. It covers four main areas: Health, Society, Environment, and Discovery. Because the university wants everyone to be involved, most of the 350+ events are free of charge.

Something for Everyone

Whether you are a student or just curious, there is a huge variety of things to see:

• Modern Technology: Many talks this year look at Artificial Intelligence (AI). Experts will discuss how it is changing everything from our schools to the way we write stories.

• The Family Weekend (28–29 March): This is the highlight for many. You can visit the "Planet Laboratory" to design your own world or try "Hands-on Archaeology" to touch objects from thousands of years ago.

• Unique Experiences: Have you ever wondered what space sounds like? One event called "Listening to Meteorites" actually turns the textures of space rocks into music!

Why you should visit

For an English learner, the festival is a brilliant opportunity. The speakers are experts, but they design their talks for the "general public." This means they use clear language that is easier to follow than a normal university lecture. It is also a rare chance to walk inside the beautiful, old colleges and laboratories that are usually closed to visitors.

The structure of DNA is one of the most famous scientific discoveries associated with Cambridge University.

Check your understanding:

1. Which two famous scientists are mentioned in the text?

2. Why do Cambridge university organise the Cambridge Festival?

   A. It makes a lot of money for the university.

   B. It is an opportunity to show they are better than Oxford university.

   C. They want to increase the public’s interest and understanding of science.

   D. The university doesn’t have enough to do.

3. How many days will the Cambridge Festival last in 2026?

4. Which technology is going to be talked about a lot at the festival this year?

Check your vocabulary:

Can you find a word in the text that means:

1. someone who studied at a particular university before

2. to display or present a sample of something

3. the best part

4. one of a kind or very unusual

5. a type of lesson at university where the professor spends most of the time talking

• Answers

  Understanding

  1. Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton

  2. C

  3. 17

  4. AI / Artificial Intelligence

  Vocabulary

  1. alumni

  2. to showcase

  3. the highlight

  4. unique

  5. lecture