To celebrate 100 years of our communities, we've planned a vibrant programme of community events, academic conferences, international visits and alumni reunions. 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.
Our centenary events
Centenary tours
Join one of our guided walks to discover fascinating moments from our history, architectural gems, the beauty of our green spaces and the generations of voices who have inspired the University.
19 February–10 December | Whiteknights and London Road campuses | Open to all | Register to attend
Alumni centenary celebrations
Join fellow alumni across the world throughout March to celebrate the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's centenary.
5–25 March | Various locations – book your space online | Open to alumni
just IMAGINE if...
Do you have an idea that addresses a global challenge, such as ending poverty, protecting the planet, or ensuring everyone has a right to health? Submit to just IMAGINE if... and create possibilities for tomorrow.
9 March–24 September | Submit online | Open to all
100th birthday celebrations
Staff, students and senior leaders will come together to celebrate the University's official hundredth birthday.
17 March | Global | Open to staff and students
Women's History Month lecture
The first Black female mayor in ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, shares her remarkable journey, covering everything from challenges to change-making.
25 March, 19:00–20:30 | Van Emden Theatre, Edith Morley building | Open to all | Register to attend
Centenary community engagement fund
We are proud to launch the Centenary Fund, to look beyond 100 years and support a future filled with promise and purpose, where great things are achieved by working together.
20 April–21 June | Fundraiser open to all
Fairbrother Lecture
Drawing on a treasure trove of material from the Museum of English Rural Life, doctoral researcher and poet Vic Pickup uncovers the hopes and struggles of the women who shaped Mills & Boon – one of Britain’s most iconic literary brands.
28 April, 18:00–20:00 | ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Biscuit Factory | Open to all | Register to attend
Giving Day
Giving Day marks our annual appeal to our fundraising initiatives, offering donors a chance to make a difference in university life.
29–30 April, for 36 hours | Online | Fundraising open to all
Community Festival
Join us for a vibrant weekend packed with entertainment and discovery to celebrate 100 years of the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
16–17 May | Whiteknights campus | Open to all | Register to attend
For over 50 years, the RAG Parade was the highlight of the Raising and Giving calendar, bringing students and the community together to raise money for countless charities. We're reviving this event after a long hiatus.
17 May | Forbury Gardens | Open to all
Sparks Parks Halls and Balls theatre show
Set on Whiteknights campus, this promenade production invites audiences to journey through a century of student life.
23–24 May | Whiteknights campus | Open to all | Book online
Alumni Varsity
Sports club alumni are invited back to relive Wednesday afternoon, participating in a series of sports matches against current sports clubs.
Check back for more details.
30 May | SportsPark, Whiteknights campus | Open to alumni
Memoir workshop
This free workshop offers a gentle introduction to memoir writing.
We will explore why we might choose to write about our lives, what can be lost when these stories aren’t recorded, and how to begin writing when you’re not sure where to start.
Check back for booking details.
6 June, 13:30–16:00 | ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Biscuit Factory | Open to all | Booking essential
This new award for our centenary year celebrates exceptional staff contributions to the University community. The awards will honour staff achievement from across several areas, bringing together our existing staff awards schemes for Teaching and Learning, Research and Professional Services.
23 June | Whiteknights campus | For staff members, invitation only
100 miles for 100 years
Staff member Nathan Bingham is walking 100 miles over five days with local mental health charity Sport in Mind. Join Nathan on the final leg of his walk, which finishes at Whiteknights campus on 28 July.
23–28 July | Whiteknights campus | Open to staff
Outdoor Learning Garden
To mark our centenary year, we are creating an Outdoor Learning Garden that will benefit University students, local school children and neighbouring community groups, both now and as a legacy for the future.
The Garden celebrates our role as a leading climate science and environmental research institution and will provide a focal point for our outdoor learning activities.
Centenary events
For the full schedule of centenary events, visit the University Events website, or sign up to the University Events for updates.
Help fund future projects
We have launched the Centenary Fund to look beyond our first 100 years and support a future filled with promise and purpose - where great things are achieved by working together.
We’d love you to get involved. Whether you can support just one event or several, your time and contribution will play a vital role in making our centenary celebrations a success.