The University of York has been awarded the title of Community University of the year, for its annual Festival of Ideas.
The award was given tp the University of York by the Daily Mail University Guide, which recognises universities that make a significant impact both on and off campus.
The Festival of Ideas, a two week festival, was launched in June 2011, as a partnership between many prestigious institutions, such as The University of York, York Theatre Royal, the National Centre for Early Music, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and York Musesums Trust,
Its objective id to enhance York’s status as a city of ideas and innovation, by offering such high calibre events to the public.
These events are largely free to the public, with the aim to “transform lives” using education and ideas. It includes a range of events, such as exhibitions, theatre, music, films, guided walks, lectures from world-class speakers, and much more.
The festival itself has an average audience of 60,000, and even has a patron in acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo. It’s one of the largest free festivals of its kind in the UK and features more than 200 public events each year, reaching a live audience of around 60,000.
Ken Badcock, the University’s Deputy-Vice Chancellor and Provost said: “The University of York was founded in 1963 with a powerful mission to serve the public good – and that principle guides us today.
He added: “We are proud to share our knowledge and resources to be a good neighbour in our community and the wider world.”
Joan Concannon, director of the festival at the University of York, said: “We are incredibly proud to be named Community University of the Year.
“The award recognises our commitment to making a meaningful contribution to society, and the festival is a brilliant example of how we work together with our partners to empower individuals and enrich lives, from our campus to the global stage.”
