The Cambridge Festival returns from 16 March to 2 April 2026, offering free public talks, exhibitions and interactive events across the themes of Society, Health, Environment and Discovery.
Each year, the festival taps into questions already circulating in public conversation - from how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, to the way classic stories evolve with each new generation.
PACE’s 2026 contribution builds on this momentum with a lineup of free virtual sessions designed to meet audiences where their curiosity already lies. This year’s talks explore topics that are capturing the public imagination: the role of AI in writing and education, the rereading of literary classics like Wuthering Heights, the ethics of leadership, and the inequalities shaping modern education.
Delivered by Cambridge academics, these sessions give festivalgoers a chance to engage with ideas that feel timely, relevant and alive.
What’s on offer
Shut Up and Write! – 24 March 2pm and 5pm (Virtual)
A focused online writing space for anyone wanting to make progress on creative, academic or personal writing projects.
Great for: beginners, experienced writers, people craving structure and motivation.
Feedback that Empowers – 24 March (Virtual)
A practical session exploring how effective feedback can support learning, communication and confidence.
Great for: educators, managers, mentors, and anyone navigating collaborative work.
Wuthering Heights, Again – 24 March (Virtual)
A return to Emily Brontë’s classic, examining why it continues to provoke new interpretations and debate.
Great for: literature lovers, book group members, and anyone curious about how stories evolve.
Writing Literary Fiction in the Era of AI – 26 March (Virtual)
A timely exploration of how technology is influencing creativity, authorship and the future of storytelling.
Great for: writers, creatives, and anyone intrigued by AI’s growing influence.
Beyond LLMs: The Advent of GenAI in Educational Paradigms – 26 March (Virtual)
A discussion of how AI is reshaping teaching, learning and educational systems.
Great for: educators, technologists, students, and lifelong learners.
Leadership in Healthcare Law and Ethics – 27 March (Virtual)
An exploration of the ethical and legal considerations shaping modern healthcare leadership.
Great for: health professionals, policy-minded audiences, and anyone interested in public ethics.
The Human Edge over AI – 27 March (Virtual)
A thought provoking look at what remains uniquely human as automation and AI advance.
Great for: broad audiences curious about technology’s social impact.
Education and Social Justice – 28 March (Virtual)
An insight into why inequalities persist in education and how research can inform fairer outcomes.
Great for: educators, parents, community leaders, and socially engaged audiences.
Drama in Divided Times – 31 March (Virtual)
A session exploring how theatre reflects — and responds to — political and social division.
Great for: theatre fans, culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in performance and society.
Why attend?
These events offer a chance to delve into some of the questions shaping public conversation right now. With sessions spanning technology, culture, education and creativity, there’s something for anyone looking to be inspired, challenged or refreshed. Each talk provides space to pause, think and connect with ideas that matter.
How to join
Booking is required, but all sessions are free and open to everyone. Find out more about our programme of events or visit the Cambridge Festival site.