Cumberland Lodge Christmas Conference

Conference Detail

Since 1947, we have opened our house to extend a warm welcome to students from all over the world, who are currently studying in the UK, to enjoy thought-provoking seminars and workshops, meeting others who are studying away from home, and to experience a British Christmas in our beautiful 17th century home and surrounding park.

Our interdisciplinary programme is designed to inspire discussion and dialogue, supported by guest speakers and facilitators. Our theme for this year is: Beyond Borders: The role of festivals in supporting social cohesion.

This year’s Cumberland Lodge Christmas Conference brings together students, experts and facilitators to explore: What does social cohesion look like in a diverse society? How can we celebrate our differences without creating distance? And how might our traditions inspire a future of coexistence, hope and social cohesion?

Through dialogue, shared stories and reflection, we will consider how celebrations like Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah and Eid highlight common values of family, renewal, generosity, and belonging.

Join us for the discussion and celebration as we seek to move beyond social and cultural borders.

The programme will also include:

• A Christmas carol service at Cumberland Lodge
• A guided winter trail through Windsor Great Park (weather permitting)
• A traditional Christmas dinner, including a visit from Father Christmas
• Festive evening games and karaoke
• Opportunities to network and meet students from around the world

Final details about our speakers and facilitators will be available on our website in December.

Eligibility

We are inviting applications from PGRs who are:

• International
• UK-based
• in any discipline
• in any year of study

As a condition of the funding, we expect a short report to be written after attending the conference to share your experiences so that we may use this on our website or in marketing materials in the future. We will then, once this has been submitted, reimburse reasonable travel expenses.

Previous Feedback

“An enlightening Christmas celebration with new knowledge, new friends, new experiences and new perspectives, all are appreciated. I am grateful for the new perspectives. The Slogan or Motto under the logo of Cumberland Lodge is ‘ exchanging views, inspiring minds’, which is exactly the best takeaways for me personally out of this conference." Meifang Zhuo, 2022 Conference attendee

"The conference offered me remarkable networking opportunities as it pulled postgraduate researchers from several universities. This created a conducive environment for exchanging ideas, exploring potential collaborations, and making new friends! I connected with many of the participants on LinkedIn and am already in touch with several of them for possible future engagements. I am deeply grateful to Warwick Doctoral College for granting me this incredible opportunity, which will remain one of the highlights of my student experience at the University of Warwick." Grace Kamanga, 2024 Conference attendee