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The ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's centenary is not just a reflection of our past, but a beacon guiding us towards a future filled with promise, innovation and impact.

With a vibrant programme of public events planned, we’ll be hosting everything from festivals, lectures and performances to children’s activities and exhibitions.

We’re also preparing a range of exciting events to celebrate the conclusion of our Centenary Grant Projects, ranging from clean air for children and women’s voices in history, to a sustainability student summit, heritage tours, and new arts commissions.

Of special note will be featured collaboration events with local organisations, schools, charities and international partners, as well as alumni celebrations, student-led activism, and more.

Event highlights

Year-round

  • Inspiring talks and stories. Across the centenary, you’ll hear from world-class researchers, prominent guest speakers and inspiring alumni – sharing ideas, tackling big questions, and celebrating our values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Honorary Graduate awards. Centenary-year graduation honours celebrating inspirational leaders and change-makers with global impact.

Spring

  • 17 March, University Centenary Anniversary Day. An opportunity for colleagues across the University to celebrate together.
  • 11 April, Boat Club Centenary Gala. A celebration of featuring legendary rowing personalities alongside current and past University Rowing Club members.
  • 16-17 May, Special Centenary Community Festival. Our biggest celebration yet, with research highlights, creativity, live performances, family fun, and community partnerships in action; featuring the renowned RAG Parade.

Summer

  • Early June, International Climate Festival 2026. Spotlighting sustainability and global challenges with talks, exhibitions, and action-taking initiatives.
  • Late June, Staff Appreciation Week with a new look Staff Awards Celebration. Recognising inspirational colleagues who make a difference.
  • Launch events for our new Nature Park and Educational Walled Garden.

Autumn

  • 23-24 September, Just Imagine If. A century of ideas, a future of impact. Our coveted international competition drives solutions for global challenges, where visionary research meets social enterprise to change the world for the better.
  • 26 November, Centenary Winter Festival extravaganza. Celebrate a century with sparkle, song, and winter cheer. We’ll be hosting an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, festive food and drink, family fun and a magical winter market.

Stay updated on centenary events

A full calendar of Centenary events will be published by early December 2025, so keep checking the University Events website for more announcements.

You can sign-up to the University Events for featured updates.

Get involved

We’d love you to get involved so why not volunteer to help at events? Whether you can support at just one event or across several, your time and contribution will play a vital role in the success of our centenary celebrations.