Talks & lectures

More than half the world's population lives in urban centres and the numbers are only going to grow. Leo Hollis, author of two books on London's history, argues that this is not necessarily a bad thing and that living in cities can make us fitter, richer, smarter, greener, more creative and even happier. Drawing on…

Prof Peter Abrahams gives this Heritage Society Festival Lecture about the original Renaissance man's career as an anatomist and his extremely detailed drawings, which came from the study of 23 corpses that the artist personally dissected. Prof Abrahams discusses how the unique concepts found in these ancient renderings…

A panel – comprising Glasgow Women's Library reader-in-residence Magi Gibson, with Elizabeth Bryan (WEA), Jim Crowther (University of Edinburgh) and Sarah Forteath (Edinburgh Libraries) – discuss the role of libraries to mark Adult Learners' Week.

Professor of Zoology Edward Burt gives a talk and 3D look at the creatures that live among – and eat – feathers on living birds, as well as the ways in which birds defend themselves. Probably not for the ornithophobic.

Lionel Shriver, the Orange Prize-winning author of 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', returns to Southbank Centre to discuss her new novel 'Big Brother'. This matter-of-fact, moving and masterful novel explores the arenas of our most complex relationships - food and family. Lionel Shriver appears in association with…

Ian Stoutzker, co-founder with Yehudi Menuhin of Live Music Now, discusses the organisation’s distinctive work and Menuhin’s vision with Director of Live Music Now Scotland Carol Main.

Join poet Jo Shapcott to find out about a new London poetry project. This summer, poets connected with London boroughs are writing new poems contemplating our post-Olympic, mid-austerity, 21st-century city. Each poem is then handed over to an artist - maybe a muralist, possibly a sculptor, perhaps even someone who…

A chance to meet and hear from Marieke Stolk, Danny van den Dungen and Erwin Brinkers, the members of acclaimed Dutch design studio Experimental Jetset.

Professor of Communication, Arts and Religion Jolyon Mitchell hosts a discussion with historian, broadcaster and author Bettany Hughes and Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies, on the relationships between research and the media and the demands of addressing different audiences.

Luminate, a new kid on the festival block, celebrates our creative lives as we age by offering a wide range of inspirational arts activities with and for older people, as well as events for audiences and participants across the generations.

A series of free talks taking place on Wednesday lunchtimes in various Aberdeen museums. Booking essential for talks at the Maritime Museum.

William Fowler, Curator of Art Film at the BFI takes us on a journey through the life and films of Brighton-based DIY film maker & animator Jeff Keen, who died in 2012. A pioneer of experimental underground film, Keen was, until recently, one of British cinema’s best kept secrets. Tickets include one delightful…

How does one develop a good habit and how long does it take? Find out at this talk, followed up by a meditation session.

Record-breaking endurance cyclist, rower and adventurer Mark Beaumont discusses his incredible experiences.

Programme includes: Martin Creed: Face to face with Bach for organ (World premiere) .: Bach: works to be announced Martin Creed is one of the UK's most well known and versatile artists. As a visual artist, he won The Turner Prize in 2001 for his piece Work No.227 - the lights going on and off, and on the morning…

Mikhail Bulgakov's fiercely satirical fantasy The Master and Margarita is widely considered to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. It was written in secret during the darkest days of Stalin's regime. The book remained unpublished in its author's home country for over 30 years. Level 3 Function Room at Royal…

The football experts are coming to Kelvingrove to help assess all your personal memorabilia. Bring along programmes, signed football shirts or other sporting collectibles and find out more about its history from the panel.

Melvyn Bragg launches his new novel Grace and Mary at the London Literature Festival. Grace and Mary is a profoundly moving story spanning three generations. John's mother Mary is in her nineties and lives in a nursing home by the sea in Cumbria. Her memory is beginning to fade. During each visit, John recognises…

View the Hayward Gallery's latest exhibition away from the crowds and enjoy a private tour. Please note, this event is free but a ticket is required - booking essential.

The prize-winning poet gives a talk about his experiences as a writing, including a look at his latest collection, A Hundred Doors.

Experience the splendid Belsay garden after hours. Reflecting the display of TV and film costumes, there will be a Regency gardener re-telling of the landscaping of Belsay and maybe passing hints and tips too.