Ahead of Valentine’s Day, our Winter Warmer looks at a love story in songs. Writer Ian Leslie traces the twists and turns of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s relationship through the music it produced. https://ow.ly/f8IM50XJwHW

Will AI open up new opportunities or threaten traditional patterns of work? An expert panel of speakers from the UK and France discuss whether we should fear or embrace AI in the workplace. https://ow.ly/kXlO50XJwGM

NEW! Join us on 20 Feb when we host a book launch @york.ac.uk with @profkepickett.bsky.social, @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social and @helenbarnard.bsky.social - (@trusselluk.bsky.social). With @compassoffice.bsky.social and @jrf-uk.bsky.social The Good Society www.york.ac.uk/news-and-eve...

In today’s Winter Warmer, learn what alien microbes living in the deepest, darkest recesses of Earth’s crust can reveal about the dawn and future of our planet. Biologist Karen Lloyd takes you on a journey through jungles, volcanos and oceans. https://ow.ly/lARi50XJwFr

Today’s Winter Warmer presents a ground-breaking exploration of African culture and identity. Author Luke Pepera journeys through 500,000 years of history to connect with his extraordinary heritage. https://ow.ly/CBQT50XJwEN

According to Mental Health UK, one in five people feel lonely at work on a typical working day. Isabel Berwick of the Financial Times and Simon Gilbody of the University of York discuss loneliness at work and offer some practical advice and solutions. https://ow.ly/tCrt50XJwCP

Fans of the BBC hit-series Wolf Hall will love our latest Winter Warmer! Thomas Cromwell is one of the most famous - or notorious - figures in English history. Discover his true place in the making of modern England and Ireland with historian Diarmaid MacCulloch. https://ow.ly/lXPS50XJwBy

Take a journey across time and space, and explore the history of medieval Britain through the biographies of illuminated manuscripts and their creators with author Michelle P Brown in this beautifully illustrated talk. https://ow.ly/ULgT50XJwzY

With Trump’s second presidency, are we returning to an era of Great Powers and ‘might means right’? What are the implications for the so-called ‘global rules-based order’? Experts explore the issues in our latest instalment of Winter Warmers. https://ow.ly/RVbv50XJwvz

Njinga Mbande. Nana Yaa Asantewaa. Makobo Modjadji VI. Ranavalona the First. Journalist and historian Paula Akpan explores how these queens and warriors led, loved and fought for their kingdoms and people, and how the impact of their decisions can still be felt today. https://ow.ly/7U4A50XJwrL

Major changes are taking place in the heart of our city centre, driven by York’s Masterplan and the ambitious York Central regeneration scheme. In today’s Winter Warmer, find out how these developments will drive economic, social and cultural growth. https://ow.ly/j4y150XJwrc

How might we build a sustainable future by learning from the past? Historian Eleanor Barnett charts the ingenious ways people have sought to extend the life of food and reuse leftovers from the 16th-century kitchen to the present day. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/hMWM50XF6Wl

💡 York Festival of Ideas 2026 returns from 30 May to 12 June under the overarching theme of ‘Place and Space’. 🎉🎉 👀 Look out for the programme going live on 1 May. ✉️ Join our mailing list to be the first to hear about our exciting programme - https://ow.ly/709950XTkiU

In today’s fascinating Winter Warmer, historian and bestselling author William Dalrymple explores how India transformed the culture and technology of its ancient world - and our world today as we know it. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/mxem50XF6Vo

Looking for some New Year inspiration? Hear the incredible story of how globally renowned motorcycle track instructor Andy Ibbott turned adversity into opportunity after suffering a life-changing stroke. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/oVSW50XF6Ut

Out with the old, in with the new. But who will be doing the spring cleaning in your household? Sociologist Emma Casey challenges the prevailing myths around housework and the 'naturally competent' woman homemaker. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/Tf8t50XA7PY

Expect some hilarious insights into Westminster and modern-day Britain with Guardian political sketch writer John Crace. In today’s Christmas Winter Warmer, he discusses the state of politics today and introduces his satirical memoir, 'Taking the Lead'. https://ow.ly/CP6b50XA7Cz

Author Jean Strouse tells the riveting story of portrait artist John Singer Sargent and his relationship with an eminent Edwardian family - the Wertheimers - structured around the 12 portraits he painted of them between 1898 and 1908. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/Zyqk50XA7vw

Closed shops and roast dinners. Bulky newspapers and the hum of lawnmowers. Today’s Winter Warmer offers an evocative celebration of the seventh day in all its rich variety with author Daniel Gray. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/KLMw50XA6Wx

On the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, find out how contemporary artist Lela Harris and writer Rommi Smith create new work through creative practices in connection with Austen and JMW Turner. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/EFNm50XA6Q6

Here's a winter treat for Doctor Who fans! Writer John Higgs invites you to step into his TARDIS on a journey to discover how ideas emerge and survive despite the odds, and why a wonderful wandering time traveller means so much to so many. https://ow.ly/Ae7W50Xxnnk

Palaeontologist and artist Mark P Witton offers a stunningly illustrated talk on what we now know about the fearsome and extraordinary king of the dinosaurs - Tyrannosaurus rex. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/WWbe50XxnfL

In the second of our Winter Warmers, find out how ancient peoples dealt with death. Classicist Robert Garland explores the beliefs and practices of a wide range of cultures and traditions. #YorkIdeas https://ow.ly/m5YT50XxnbC#YorkIdeas

Enjoy the first of our Winter Warmers as we celebrate the comedic genius of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson - the legendary writing duo behind Hancock’s Half Hour and Steptoe and Son. Discover how these comedy icons reshaped British humour. https://ow.ly/UGuC50Xxn0g

Starting next week! Get cosy this winter with some of our excellent Festival talks and performances from this year's York Festival of Ideas - guaranteed to warm the cockles on these cold winter nights. All available to watch for free. Enjoy our ❄️Winter Warmers 2025❄️ #YorkIdeas

NEW! Join us for a lecture with Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, as he discusses 'Curating Modern Art Today'. Hear about his career at Tate Modern, the Met, and his landmark projects. Free admission, booking essential. Mon 17 Nov at 6pm. https://ow.ly/P0ss50Xn15f

Need an intellectual boost? 💡 Our York Ideas YouTube channel delivers talks on science, history, and culture to educate, entertain, and inspire. Dive into new knowledge today: https://www.youtube.com/@YorkIdeas #YorkIdeas

Open Lectures at the University of York are back for the new academic year! 💛 Find out more at www.york.ac.uk/news-and-eve...

Great news for the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on the Festival. I was lucky enough to be invited to speak on a panel last June, and it was a brilliant experience! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

We're thrilled that the University of York has been named Community University of the Year in the Mail University Guide 2026, awarded in recognition of York Festival of Ideas! Thank you to our whole Festival family for helping to make this happen 💚 Find out more: tinyurl.com/5hab97x3

Throwback to the IM Showcase 2025! 🎮✨ As part of the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social, this event was packed with creativity and innovation. From games and mobile apps to VR experiences and web designs, the Interactive Media student community showed off some truly inspiring work! 🚀 @york.ac.uk | #UoY

As summer unfolds, why not take a moment to enjoy some of the most inspiring, thought-provoking, and uplifting moments from this year’s York Festival of Ideas? Watch again - talks, discussions, and performances to brighten your day. #YorkIdeas www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...

We’re proud to celebrate the launch of Sonic Pasts by Professor @marianajlopez.bsky.social, held in June during the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social The book explores historical soundscapes, intangible heritage, and the ethics of sound design in heritage contexts. ℹ️ www.routledge.com/Sonic-Pasts-...

Last chance this week to complete our feedback survey for a chance to win our prize draw! 💚

Now that York Festival of Ideas has ended for this year we'd love to know what you thought. Please complete our audience feedback survey for a chance to win a £50 Fox Lane Books voucher. SURVEY CLOSES ON 4 AUGUST at NOON! forms.gle/PCGToj1NYFKt...

youtube.com/watch?v=bZ70... It was a great privilege to talk to @soniapurnell.bsky.social about her new book #Kingmaker. Watch the video of the event @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social here!

Last month I was up in York for the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social where I spoke about my latest book A Pub For All Seasons, my talk is now online if you’re interested, I make a couple of jokes as well youtube.com/watch?v=5i4h...

ICYMI, you can watch my talk about my book, The Pirates’ Code, for the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social on YouTube! youtu.be/b06sRWooshk?...

For one week only - catch the brilliant Tracy Borman's talk at this year's York Festival of Ideas - Holbein and the Year That Changed Tudor England. Available to watch on YouTube now at youtu.be/0hUslBBhQ14 #YorkIdeas

Looking for inspiration and fresh ideas? Our amazing 2025 talks on YouTube will ignite your curiosity and expand your horizons! From thought leaders to everyday heroes, there's a talk for everyone. Tune in and get inspired today. youtube.com/yorkideas

Do watch this magnificent talk on Galton & Simpson given by @garybrannan.bsky.social Keeper of Archives at the University of York during @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social Please visit the fundraiser page and help preserve these comedy treasures for the nation: yustart.hubbub.net/p/galtonands...

Thank you so much to the #AboutTime team, and @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social for inviting me to give a #philosophy #lecture. The speakers were wonderful, the audience were engaged and generous and the venue was stunning. I absolutely adore #PublicEngagement and cant wait for another opportunity ❤️

And that's a wrap! We’re incredibly grateful to all our attendees, speakers, partners, and supporters who made the festival such a success. Your enthusiasm and support are what bring the festival to life each year. #YorkIdeas

TONIGHT! Free tickets still available - Isabel Berwick, who leads the Financial Times' Working It brand, and Simon Gilbody of the University of York discuss loneliness at work and offer some practical advice and solutions. Loneliness at Work ow.ly/2yFW50W6kAj #YorkIdeas

Here's today's calendar of fabulous events - whether you join us in-person or online, we look forward to welcoming you to our events today. #YorkIdeas

There's still time to buy all of your Festival books (most of them are signed!) from our fantastic Festival partner, and friend, @foxlanebooks.bsky.social‬. For Festival books, and lots more - www.foxlanebooks.co.uk/york-festiva... #YorkIdeas

Congratulations to all Arts and Humanities Doctoral Researchers who presented their work in the @yorkfestofideas.bsky.social's Family Fun Afternoon 😊 They had the task of adapting their research to make it interactive for families, and they succeeded, providing a range of amazing activities. A 🧵

TOMORROW! Join Emma and Donna of the York Maastricht Partnership as they explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding T-Rex fossils, controversial art and human remains in museums and galleries today. Treasure or Taboo? yorkfestivalofideas.com/2025/calenda...

TOMORROW! ONLINE! From the 3,500-year-old Ringlemere Cup to the Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire Hoard, hear about amazing treasures unearthed by detectorists, mudlarks and fieldwalkers. Beneath our Feet: Everyday discoveries reshaping history yorkfestivalofideas.com/2025/calenda...