University of Warwick Partners With Also Festival To Bring Festival for the Mind in Warwickshire

University of Warwick Partners With Also Festival To Bring Festival for the Mind in Warwickshire

COVENTRY, 20-Apr-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Warwick has partnered with Also Festival to help bring to life the biggest and boldest ideas from art, science, psychology and philosophy with immersive talks and experiences lake-side, in a leafy Warwickshire setting.

The fourth Also Festival takes place between 30th June – 2nd July 2017 at Park Farm, Warwickshire, within 50 acres of beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds, all open for festival-goers to explore, swim and relax in.

Included in the Sunday Times ‘Best Festivals 2016’, Guardian ‘Top 5 festival for the mind’ and described by the Independent as “A place to revel in nature and discuss the big ideas” this year’s festival is set to be more inspirational than ever.

Warwick academics will present their research and ideas at this festival for the mind in dynamic and engaging ways. Visitors can engage with ideas first hand, presented by authors and professors including topics like assessing the meaning of dreams, Brexit one year on, ancient mythology, psychoactive substance laws, embracing past experiences, analysing the ways radicals use tech and much more.

Warwick academics presenting their research and ideas include:

• BBC and ITV historian and presenter Dr Michael Scott, Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient History,

“This festival is a great chance to challenge peoples’ understanding of the ancient past and really put them in the footsteps and mind-sets of people who lived thousands of years ago. And in so doing, I am hoping to dare the audience to imagine a world they would never want to spend a day in, but to which we owe so much.”

• Memory expert Dr Kimberley Wade, Reader in Psychology,

“I will discuss how and why our memories become distorted and the most recent developments in false memory science. You may be surprised to learn how malleable your memory is, but don’t worry, you’ll also discover why memory distortions, often, are a very good thing.”

• TV expert Dr Helen Wheatley, Reader of Film and Television studies,

“Watching people die on television can be fascinatingly terrifying but do we dare to face the truth of dying on television? Do programme makers have a responsibility to their viewers to depict this truth, and how do they manage their responsibilities toward this in their programmes?”

• Food Historian Dr Rebecca Earle, Professor of History,

“History is all around us, including in our kitchens. Many of us have cookery books or recipes that we’ve inherited from our mothers or other relatives. This interactive workshop explores the hidden histories of family recipes. Participants are invited to bring a cookery book belonging to someone from their family, to learn about different ways of exploring the past.”

• BBC Radio 4 presenter Dr Nick Chater, Professor of Behavioural Science,

“In an era of fake news, alternative facts, and political rhetoric, the question of how people try to persuade us, and when they succeed, is particularly pressing. But the very idea of persuasion is rather paradoxical—once I know you are trying to persuade me, why don’t I just “close my ears.” After all, you are pushing your agenda, not mine!

People have a thirst for knowledge and ideas, as well as entertainment, the University of Warwick will be a part of presenting just that, in a relaxed countryside setting.

DJ’s and live musicians provide the soundtrack to the weekend, whilst Also’s lakeside banqueting tent hosts a broad range of fine dining experiences and bespoke camping options offer a luxury twist.

2017’s theme is Truth or Dare and festival-goers of all ages are invited to get involved in a number of immersive experiences.

For more information visit: also-festival.com.

Notes to editors:

Public engagement at the University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is committed to helping all staff and students talk with the public about their research, and supporting the whole university to become a welcoming destination for the community to make use of our excellent facilities and enjoy time on campus.

SOURCE: University of Warwick

Contact:

Alex Buxton
Media Relations Manager
Tel: 02476 150423
Mob: 07876 218166
a.buxton.1@warwick.ac.uk