Alcohol is a long-established part of popular culture but can the UK afford the £20 billion annual cost due to heavy drinking? Eileen Kaner, Newcastle University, will explore the health & social consequences of heavy drinking.

The quality of lightness is sometimes claimed or ascribed to works of art, theatre, literature and dance. Simon Murray draws on examples from theatre, visual arts and literature and examines how the term is used.

Over the last 25 years, forgiveness has resurfaced as a positive way ahead for victims of unjust harm. Dr. Stephen Cherry considers the possibilities for forgiveness from ethical, spiritual & psychological perspectives.

Who do you think you are? Neuroscience struggles with the notion of “the self”, the object that human consciousness appears to reveal. Can philosophy help? Mike Spencer explores whether we exist only through and in our human relationships?

Ros Rigby gives an introduction to the issues one must consider when developing, planning and realising the programme for a major international venue. Ros currently oversees all aspects of the performance programme at Sage Gateshead.

What is the true value of money? What is a good life? Do we work long hours merely to make more money? Robert Skidelsky addresses these questions and others, drawing on examples from his recent book.

Mike Trennell, Professor of Movement and Motabilism, Newcastle University will explore state of the art evidence on why moving more and sitting less could be one of the most important decisions in your day. 

Poverty and social exclusion exist in rural Britain too, it’s just not so visible. Professor Mark Shucksmith argues that our idyllic view of rural areas blinds us to the hidden poverty and social exclusion which threatens 1 in 3 people

Join us on the front line of British conservation with England’s most threatened and controversial bird of prey. Blanaid Denman, RSPB will discuss if we can save them or whether it is too late

Literary experimentation and writing for the young. Author David Almond, twice Whitbread Children’s Book Award Winner and Carnegie Medal winner considers whether children and their creativity can help us understand what a book can be?