Inspiring levels of curiosity and creativity at today's Imag(e)ining the Past collaging workshop @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social @anthropocenebio.bsky.social 1/

A big thanks to my co-facilitator Lindsey, the ever helpful @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social team and the lovely folk who spent the morning cutting, sticking and sharing with us this morning.

Thanks to everyone who joined my talk at @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social. I presented on sound heritage without mentioning one white male scholar/designer because I'm fed up of hearing presenters talk about the silenced voices of the past and then just continue to marginalise voices in the present.

Had a lovely time at the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social talking about The Writer's Room. Such a lovely audience, and an amazing festival: over 150 events, mostly free!

Congratulations to all who shared their work as part of the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social. We had 8 great activities. Mia Gane from @uoyphilosophy.bsky.social explored the concept of home through crafts; Matthew Hall from @school-of-act.bsky.social invited participants to build their own bandstand.

Soccer-mad report on our event with Boro superfan Robert Nicholls @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social which happened on Saturday. soccermadboffins.blogspot.com/2026/06/repo...

Join Richard Gale, an internationally renowned expert in medical diseases of the retina, as he focuses on the critical question: how much vision can be saved in the future? How Much Vision Can We Save in the Future? 9 June https://ow.ly/mc5t50Z8vqN

Join Simon Wilde, cricket correspondent for the Sunday Times, as he takes a compelling new look at the untold story behind one of English sport’s oldest records. Chasing Jessop: The mystery of England cricket's oldest record - 9 June https://ow.ly/VkEr50Z8vqB

On Saturday we hosted #YorkTalks - Heritage Reframed, in the beautiful setting of the historic Heslington Hall at the University of York#YorkTalks We had such a brilliant day, diving into York's research, bridging the past and future - from 18th-century gardens to virtual reality archaeology. 🎮📜

Across oceans and centuries, England and India emerge not as distant worlds but as entangled histories of movement, trade and imagination. Join Nandini Das and William Dalrymple for an in-conversation event on 9 June in partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival. https://ow.ly/tSFn50Z7ZIM

Discover the 1911 scandal around horse racing tips that saw the Joseph Rowntree Social Service Trust branded a ‘moral cesspool’. Sue Mendus of the University of York digs into the archives to investigate. Six Penn’orth of Hope: Gambling and the Rowntree Trusts - 9 June https://ow.ly/3O9u50Z8vpC

For centuries Stonehenge has been the subject of fascination and speculation. Archaeologist Julian Richards explores Stonehenge's 'old rocks' and the theories that have emerged from newly available information. Stonehenge: Old rocks, new theories - 9 Jun https://ow.ly/8X3250Z8vpt

From eco-art exhibitions and planetary health talks at noon, to a live piano deconstruction project and a deep dive into stunning medieval manuscripts this evening - there is truly something for everyone today. Check out the full line-up 👉 https://ow.ly/ai6E50Z8v8L #YorkIdeas #York #WhatsOnYork

Honouring the courage and sacrifice of the East Yorkshire Regiment at the York Army Museum yesterday. Incredible to see the historic military vehicles, kit, and living history displays up close. A powerful reminder of the human stories behind D-Day. 🎖️#YorkIdeas 📷 Mandy James

Planetary health sees Earth as a living system. Pim Martens of Maastricht University explores why actively regenerating nature, not just doing less harm, is vital for human and non-human life. Planetary Health: Dissolving the human frame - 8 June https://ow.ly/nyGK50Z8vrt

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) a Hollywood-style threat or a tool we can trust? Join experts from the University of York’s CDT in Safe AI (SAINTS) to explore how chatbots have changed the conversation. Beyond the Matrix: The reality of AI risk - 8 Jun https://ow.ly/GX7Z50Z8rGG

What an incredible evening we had yesterday! Fascinating to hear former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Gavin Esler yesterday. She shared some brilliant, candid insights into her career and new memoir, Frankly. Here are a few highlights from the night! 👇 📸 Ian Martindale

Aged five, writer Sanjoy Roy encountered his first spirit in his ancestral house in Calcutta. Since then, he has come across a variety of spectres and phantoms. Join him for a fascinating travelogue through the supernatural world. There’s a Ghost in My Room - 8 Jun https://ow.ly/USHn50Z8rFa

Is pop megastar Taylor Swift an eco-icon or an environmental villain? Elly McCausland of Ghent University, Belgium, dives into the friction between the star’s massive carbon footprint and her ability to tackle ‘plant blindness’ through song - 8 Jun https://ow.ly/FMV450Z8rCT

Yesterday was our fantastic Festival Fringe with hundreds of children and a whole lot of joy! Join us NOW for yet more interactive fun - from 11am to 3pm. Discovery Zone - https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/2026/calendar/disco-zone/

You used to see a doctor. Now you go online. Journalist Deborah Cohen reveals the truth behind Ozempic influencers, AI-powered diagnoses, ‘preventative’ screening and Instagram’s favourite wearable tech. Bad Influence: How the internet hijacked our health - 8 Jun https://ow.ly/G8zU50Z8rCt

Planetary health sees Earth as a living system. Pim Martens of Maastricht University explores why actively regenerating nature, not just doing less harm, is vital for human and non-human life. Planetary Health: Dissolving the human frame - 8 Jun ONLINE https://ow.ly/PPpa50Z8rC0

TODAY!!!! 🔬 CALLING ALL YOUNG EXPLORERS! 🚀 Ready to spark your child’s curiosity? Bring them to the Discovery Zone at York Festival of Ideas 💡 Expect awesome hands-on experiments, mind-blowing science, and interactive fun for all ages. 👉 https://ow.ly/HAZ550Z7xzP

What's on your radar for today? 🗓️ From thought-provoking discussions to creative showcases, our calendar for 7 June is packed with incredible events. Come and join us! Explore the full lineup and plan your day here: https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/2026/calendar/

TOMORROW at 11am - Rooted in South Indian musical traditions and informed by philosophical and ecological thought, Other Voices seeks to give voice to the voiceless - the flora and fauna of our planet - through an immersive soundscape. Other Voices https://ow.ly/ImKM50Z6CM4

I had the best time speaking at @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social about the commercialisation of coffee, science, and bodies. And, 80% of the audience volunteered to try the world's first coffee predigested by humans! #Coffee #AcademicSky #Ethics

An incredible afternoon of music 🎶 Huge thanks to Supriya Nagarajan and the ensemble for an amazing journey into Carnatic music. From the rich emotions of ragas to the sounds of electric guitar and koto, it was a masterclass in deep listening. 🌍✨ Supriya Nagarajan

Still thinking about the incredible insights from our "From Brownfield to Blue Sky" event a couple of days ago! 🌍✨ In collaboration with York Central, we explored everything from the edge of the universe to sustainable urban spaces. Here are a few highlights from an inspiring day! 👇📸

What a packed programme we have for you today, with a multitude of exciting events taking place all day. 🎉 Kids - don't miss the Festival Fringe at the University. No need to book - just turn up. Have a great day everyone! #YorkIdeas 💡 https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/2026/calendar/

TONIGHT! Two fab @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social events featuring a Dame and a Professor 📚✨ 6pm – Dame #KellyHolmes on Live Better: Midlife & Menopause 7:30pm – Prof. Kate Williams launches Regina: A New History of Women and Power Can't make it? Order online for a signed copy ➡️ FoxLaneBooks.co.uk

Across oceans and centuries, England and India emerge not as distant worlds but as entangled histories of movement, trade and imagination. Join Nandini Das and William Dalrymple for an in-conversation event on 9 June in partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival. https://ow.ly/tSFn50Z7ZIM

@feargalsharkey.bsky.social in typically barnstorming form yesterday at @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social In response to an audience question about what success looks like for water quality improvement he said 'it looks like when anyone can go and swim in their nearest bit of river'… 1/3

We were inspired by an incredible discussion at the Guildhall yesterday with City of York Council. Blown away by the vision for a more inclusive, accessible, and future-proof city centre. York has such an amazing community shaping what comes next. 🌱🏛️ #YorkIdeas #ChangeIsComing

Good morning friends and welcome to Fabulous Friday! Check out what we've got in store today - including Dame Kelly Holmes coming to talk about menopause this evening - we have a handful of tickets still available. Hope to see you soon. https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/2026/calendar/

York enjoys a rich and varied literary history that still feels intimately tied to the modern city thanks to its heritage and the preservation of many of its medieval buildings. During the Festival, a brand-new audio tour will bring this literary history to life. https://ow.ly/t0Y650Z7JOC

🔬 CALLING ALL YOUNG EXPLORERS! 🚀 Ready to spark your child’s curiosity? Bring them to the Discovery Zone at York Festival of Ideas 💡 Expect awesome hands-on experiments, mind-blowing science, and interactive fun for all ages. 👉 ow.ly/HAZ550Z7xzP

A lovely day out in #York today talking to a super curious and engaged audience at the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social. We discussed Science, Art, AI and aliens 🤗. The festival runs for another week, with loads of events. Worth checking out if you're in the area!

All set for exploring the past and its relation to 'Place and Space' at this Sunday's @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social collaging workshop, Imag(e)ining the Past.

🎭🎨 READY TO EXPLORE THE UNEXPECTED? 📚✨ The Festival Fringe is on SATURDAY! Dive into a vibrant mix of free events, unexpected stories, creative workshops, and fresh perspectives. There is something to spark everyone's curiosity. 💡 https://ow.ly/8HgS50Z7xCq

Join Richard Gale, an internationally renowned expert in medical diseases of the retina, as he focuses on the critical question: how much vision can be saved in the future? How Much Vision Can We Save in the Future? 9 Jun https://ow.ly/APmy50Z6Ecr

Is pop megastar Taylor Swift an eco-icon or an environmental villain? Elly McCausland of Ghent University, Belgium, dives into the friction between the star’s massive carbon footprint and her ability to tackle ‘plant blindness’ through song. https://ow.ly/ZKN650Z6E36

On Sunday we enjoyed a visual celebration of our perception of the cosmos across centuries and cultures with broadcaster and collector Dallas Campbell. Thank you to everyone for coming, and for Dallas for such a fascinating event! #YorkIdeas

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) a Hollywood-style threat or a tool we can trust? Join experts from the University of York’s CDT in Safe AI (SAINTS) to explore how chatbots have changed the conversation. Beyond the Matrix: The reality of AI risk - 8 Jun https://ow.ly/G3sv50Z6E06

We have lots of events today for you to get your teeth into 🦷 From Summer Sparkle ✨ to the Happiness of Dogs 🐶 - and lots more! Find out more - https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/2026/calendar/

Lydia Kennaway, Poet-in-Residence at Thin Ice Press, introduces The Marker Committee, a collection of poems addressing the ephemerality of the written word. The Marker Committee: Poems for deep time - 8 Jun https://ow.ly/q7W950Z6FxW

NEW event: Join authors Nandini Das and William Dalrymple for a conversation as they discuss the merchants, migrants, sailors and spies who moved between Tudor and Stuart England and India. This Little World: Tudor narratives of India and England - 9 Jun https://ow.ly/f4jG50Z5VxK

What is it that so fascinates us about the places where writers live and create? Join writer Katie da Cunha Lewin as she dismantles the familiar furniture of the writer’s room and opens it up to view. The Writer's Room - 7 Jun https://ow.ly/LR0S50Z6CWs

What do you think of when you think about the past? Enjoy a hands-on collaging workshop and reflect on the narratives we share about our history. How might we use these to build better futures? Imag[e]ining the Past - 7 Jun https://ow.ly/QEiO50Z6CUj

Last weekend attendees discovered the art of bookbinding at an inspiring hands-on workshop dedicated to mindful making. 🩷 #YorkIdeas

Hear the powerful true story of how journalist Matt Blake discovered his new house was once the lair of the E17 Nightstalker. Join him as he discusses his scientific quest to make sense of the paranormal and find peace at home. Hearth of Darkness - 7 Jun https://ow.ly/zeuM50Z6CSg