Homerton College begins its 250th birthday celebrations
While it might be new in the University of Cambridge’s terms, Homerton College reaches the ripe old age of 250 this year, an occasion that’s being marked with a busy programme of events throughout the year. The pinnacle of the celebrations, taking place on 27 October, is the Homerton 250 Festival, which will serve up a dynamic day of music, science and drama – offering a chance to see the college as you’ve never seen it before.
Join in with workshops, immerse yourself in storytelling, enjoy live music and be wowed by science demonstrations at the free, day-long event. Highlights are sure to include the masterclass and discussion with Dame Evelyn Glennie – the world’s premier solo percussionist and an Honorary Fellow of Homerton College. Be sure to seek out the ‘messy chemistry’ sessions too, and explore the sensory Quiet Room. If you’re feeling energetic, there are dance workshops and even zorbing to enjoy, plus a host of craft stalls and food to sample – including an Alice in Wonderland themed lunch in Homerton’s Victorian Great Hall. For those more active in mind than body, consider the celebration’s three Burning Questions: What is the future of healthcare? What does it mean to be human? How do we drive change? All will be explored during the festival.
One of the festival aims is to let the public ‘look under the bonnet’ of a Cambridge college. “The public can visit most Cambridge colleges and look at the buildings,” says Matthew Moss, a Fellow of the College who is leading the 250th celebrations, “but we wanted to do something slightly different for our big anniversary, and showcase some of the intellectual and extra-curricular life of these amazing institutions, in a way that all ages can access.”
