FAQs

Some frequently asked questions are below. If you want to ask us a question, please feel free to contact us using the red button that floats on the bottom-right margin of all our pages, and we can add your questions to this list. As well as respond directly, of course. We’re not animals.

▶ How much does it cost to attend the festival?

Nothing! Nothing at all. Every event is free, although some are invite-only, and some must be registered for in advance (this year, our closing session with David Yates is pre-registration only).

▶ Can I attend if I am not a student?

Yes, you can! Any event (that isn't invite-only) is open to anyone with a pulse, quite frankly. Come along! Although it is best to register first to guarantee a place, and you must pre-register to attend our closing event with David Yates.

▶ One of the events I want to attend is sold out. Is there anything I can do?

Yes, as long as it's not our closing event with David Yates. For all other events, we will have booked the capacity of the room. It's possible that there will be no-shows on the day. We would suggest if you really want to see something you come along to the venue 15 minutes before the talk is due to begin, to register your name on a reserves list. The pre-booked attendees are asked to arrive 10 minutes beforehand. If there are any no-shows a couple of minutes before the talk is due to start you will be able to go in. We realise this isn't ideal, but it's tricky with free events to make sure that there aren't any wasted seats!

▶ What time do I need to be at the venue for the talk?

You should aim to arrive 10 minutes before hand to give us time for registration. We want full houses for our speakers, who all volunteer their time, so we will also have a reserve list for any sold out events. If you haven't arrived a couple of minutes before the talk is due to start your place may be given away. It is up to our speakers as to whether they will allow latecomers into the venues. Our reception staff will be briefed beforehand, so if you are late we cannot guarantee your entry, even if there is a seat available. That's all the boring, stern-faced rules done with. We look forward to seeing you there!

▶ Can I turn up on the day to see David Yates?

Unfortunately not. This event is pre-registration only. In part, because we need to cater it, and in part because we have already slightly over-issued the tickets so that we can make sure that the auditorium is full. Turning up on the day is very likely to just leave you disappointed. We can only apologise that we weren't able to get a bigger venue for this talk!

▶ Where are the events being held?

We have various venues across Cambridge. Most of the Saturday and Sunday events will be held in Emmanuel College. The David Yates talk will be at Cripps Court, Magdalene College. For full details and a map, go to our 'Visitor Information' page.