The University of Warwick has entered into an exciting partnership with the Cheltenham Festivals.

Warwick will be playing a key role in The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival this month (October) and throughout the Jazz, Science, Music and Literature festivals in 2015.

Cheltenham’s organisers will also collaborate on the University’s plans to celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2015.

University of Warwick Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Thrift, said:

“This is a really exciting partnership for Warwick and a fantastic way to help mark our 50^th year. As well as being a great opportunity to engage with the public and reach out to schools, the Warwick/Cheltenham partnership will also provide a platform for Warwick’s early career researchers and PhD students.”

Jane Furze, Director, Times & The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival said:

“We are always keen to work with organisations who share our vision for the arts and sciences and so we’re delighted to have formed this partnership with the University of Warwick. Cheltenham Festivals are committed to bringing outstanding cultural events that are admired internationally to Gloucestershire and so we’re very pleased to have Warwick at our side, encouraging greater engagement with the public and particularly young people.”

To mark the beginning of the collaboration, Warwick will be supporting four events at this year’s Literature Festival, which takes place from 3 to 12 October 2014.

In a special session for the festival, the winner of the inaugural 2009 Warwick Prize for Writing, award-winning author and activist Naomi Klein will be taking to the stage to talk about climate change and the impact on our future.

The University of Warwick will also launch the 2015 Warwick Prize for Writing at this event and announce its theme and panel of judges.

Details of the four Warwick sessions at The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2014:

Are we too tolerant of intolerance?

We can either recognise people as equal, or cultures as equal – we cannot do both. Should we tolerate beliefs and behaviour that we consider repressive? Journalist Abdul-Rehman Malik explores this conflict in today’s multicultural Britain with The Times journalist David Aaronovitch, Warwick alumna Claire Fox (BA English and American Literature 1978-81), Director of the Institute of Ideas, Matthew Goodwin (Revolt on the Right) and award-winning comedian Shazia Mirza. Introduced by Professor Maureen Freely from the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies
Friday 3rd October 2014 6.15-7.15pm, Garden Theatre

This changes everything: capitalism vs the climate

Following the powerful anti-austerity message of The Shock Doctrine, award-winning author and activist Naomi Klein takes on climate change and explores the radical implications for our future on this planet. This Warwick Prize for Writing event will be introduced by Warwick alumna AL Kennedy (BA Theatre Studies and Dramatic Arts 1983-86), Associate Professor from the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies.
Saturday 11th October 2014 11.45-12.45pm, The Forum

What Future for Words: The Warwick Commission Debate

The way we consume, value and engage with words is changing fast. What are the challenges and opportunities facing a new generation of writers in this shifting cultural landscape? Roly Keating is joined by novelist A. L. Kennedy, publisher Gail Rebuck, spoken-word artist Amerah Saleh and games writer and novelist Rebecca Levene to discuss the future of writing in the UK. It will be introduced by Vikki Heywood, Chair of the Warwick Commission.
Saturday 11th October 2014 3.30-4.30pm, Garden Theatre

Hilary Mantel

With two novels both claiming the Man Booker Prize, Hilary Mantel is one of Britain’s most accomplished writers. She unveils her latest work, a collection of ten short stories – The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher. Introduced by Professor Nigel Thrift, Warwick's Vice-Chancellor.
Sunday 12th October 2014 5.30-6.30pm, The Forum

For more information on all Cheltenham Festival activities and to buy tickets, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com.

Notes to editors: For more information contact Kelly Parkes-Harrison, Senior Press and Communications Manager, University of Warwick, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk, 02476 150868, 07824 540863

3rd October 2014

Cheltenham Festival activities and tickets

For more information please contact Kelly Parkes-Harrison, Senior Press and Communications Manager, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk, 02476 150863, 07824 540863