It’s that time of year again, when students, locals, celebrities and fans flock to Wimbledon in the name of literature. Right on Roehampton’s doorstep, or 30 minutes on the 493 if you’re being pedantic, Wimbledon Common offers a host of events and opportunities in the form of Wimbledon BookFest, an annual festival designed to enrich and celebrate all things book-related.
Being a student has many perks, including access to a variety of Wimbledon BookFest events for free. With speakers ranging from Reggie Yates to Theo Paphitis, via a screening of Get Out, there is something for every student, every course and every age. Don’t miss out – read the list below, check your diary and reserve your tickets by following the instructions at the bottom of the page.
Sir Nigel Shadbolt: The Digital Ape
12:30-1:30pm
6 October
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
Subtitled How to Live in Peace with Smart Machines, Sir Nigel Shadbolt’s book explores the affects of artificial intelligence and smart machines, co-written with Roger Hampson. One of the UK’s foremost computer scientists and a leading researcher in AI, Sir Nigel was an originator of the World Wide Web, and is chairman and co-founder of the Open Data Institute.
Future of Education: University
2:15-3:15pm
6 October
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
Featuring our very own Vice-Chancellor, Paul O’Prey, this debate promises to be lively and informative, and ever relevant to all at Roehampton. In the context of the current political climate, questions about the future of university have a greater impact than ever, and will be thoroughly dissected and discussed in this pertinent event.
Adam Rutherford and Nathan H Lents: Being Human
4-5pm
7 Oct
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
With Evolution Explained as a subtitle, expect some big things from this one. Covering content from their respective books, these leading scientists will guide you through the differences (or lack thereof) between humans and other species, evolution and flaws in our design.
Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene: Slay in Your Lane
3-4.30pm
10 Oct
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
Discussing the unique challenges of being a black woman in contemporary society, this event will celebrate the achievements of the authors’ own lives, as well as those of prominent black women such as Jamelia and Malorie Blackman. Subtitled The Black Girl Bible, Yomi and Elizabeth’s book seeks to encourage young people to seek their potential.
Theo Paphitis: The Future of the High Street
5:30-6:30pm
10 Oct
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
Straight from the Den, Dragon Theo Paphitis will be in conversation with financial journalist James Ashton, discussing how he came to be one of the UK’s most successful businessmen, and his predictions for the future, with regards to the current retail climate.
Film Screening: Get Out
8:30-9:30pm
11 Oct
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
Oscar-winning comedy horror Get Out, depicting a disturbing secret uncovered by a black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family, is not to be missed in this special screening. 2017 Bafta-nominated short film Wren Boys will precede this showing.
Reggie Yates: Unseen, My Journey
1:30-3pm
12 Oct
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
From Grange Hill to Top of the Pops, Reggie Yates life on camera has developed to include hard-hitting documentaries. In conversation with Radio X’s John Kennedy, Reggie will discuss the lessons he has learned, through the experiences he has had, revealing inspirational anecdotes from his book.
Wimbledon International Short Film Festival
7-10:30pm
Oct 12th
Baillie Gifford Big Tent
Hosted by radio and TV presenter Francine Stock, up-and-coming filmmakers will be showcasing new work prior to the awards ceremony. Listed by the Metro as one of the ten best film festivals you need to know about, this evening is a guaranteed winner.
To reserve a free ticket, email your name, student number and course title to studenttickets@wimbledonbookfest.org, and include the events you would like to attend.