Cambridge resident, Tara Payne shares her top picks for the forthcoming Cambridge Festival of Ideas...

Expand your mind! It's a wonderful thing to do for people of all ages, kids need to learn all about the world we live in and experience cultures and ideas outside of their usual environments. Adults need to keep their opinions and ideas fresh (and have something interesting to talk about at the next dinner party) and everyone knows that the best way to stay young is to keep interested in the world! What better way to get some fresh thinking than by coming along to The Festival of Ideas...

This year marks the sixth anniversary of Cambridge University's Festival of Ideas, which features a massive programme of events, activities and taster sessions for all ages, including performances, workshops and debates.

Here's the personal picks of one arty eco-friendly 36 year old, to see the full listings click on the link at the bottom of the page.

Ideas at St Paul's

12noon-5pm Sat 19 Oct, St Paul's Community Centre

The perfect taster session for everything that's happening during the festival. Bring the kids along and get involved in Spanish board games and fortune telling, textile crafts, sports and dance. Experience the brilliant 'Big Draw on Tour' and much more on this drop-in afternoon of fun and ideas. 

There's No Stopping Her: Insights From Paralympian Claire Harvey

5.30-6.30pm Thur 24 Oct, Emmanuel College

Claire Harvey, captain of Paralympic GB's sitting volleyball team shares her experiences of life, managing challenges and reaching the top of her game.

Ages 12+ 

You must pre-book for this event. 

A Comic Creation Masterclass with The Phoenix!

1-2.30pm Sat 26 Oct, Alison Richard Building

A creative workshop for all ages. Step into a world of wonder with The Phoenix weekly story comic. Tell stories, create characters and stretch your imagination in this comic creation extravaganza.

You must pre-book for this event. 

Quantum2

Dance, music and film interact using body tracking camera technologies and bespoke sensing environments to expand our understanding of the interrelationship between the body and its environment. 

Ages 12+ 

You must pre-book for this event.

Electric Cars? They're Rubbish Aren't They?!

7-9pm Tue 29 Oct, The Maypole Pub, 20 Portugal Place 

Electric cars? They're rubbish aren't they?! Nothing but glorified golf carts that take forever to charge and run out of power on the way to the shops. Aren't they? Robert Lewellyn says no. This evening he'll tell us why he thinks we need to think seriously about electric vehicles as the future of transport. 

Adults only 

You must pre-book for this event.

We had real trouble selecting just a few events, there is so much exciting stuff on offer! If you have the technology why not download the free Festival App which has all sorts of helpful things in it including maps, reminders and all you need to plan your perfect festival? 

You can find more information and website links by clicking on thebestof Cambridge's Events pages.