Curiosity opens doors. It sharpens attention, expands empathy and
connects us to one another. This March, Curious Minds returns to
Bath with two weeks of talks, film screenings, debates, music,
workshops and walks, led by rising stars, award winners and
internationally renowned names.
The festival opens with Dr Jack Mosley exploring weight-loss drugs
and the future of eating, setting the tone for a programme that spans
politics, wellbeing, fashion, literature, music and film. Legendary
photojournalist Don McCullin, in conversation with Mariella
Frostrup, reflects on a lifetime documenting conflict and humanity,
while satirist John Crace helps us navigate a political landscape that
often feels stranger than fiction. Music fans can enjoy Cerys Matthews’
lyrical take on Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, and national treasure
Larry Lamb shares stories from a remarkable life on and off screen.
Reading, writing and the spoken word run throughout the line-up.
Expect bold new fiction led by Nussaibah Younis, alongside
exhilarating spoken word and poetry events, including an all-star poetry
night headlined by Anthony Anaxagorou. Hands-on experiences range
from writing workshops and book clubs to guided walks across the city.
Big questions sit at the heart of the festival. Jonathan Porritt and
Monica Feria Tinta ask how we can best defend our planet, Paul Dolan
explores how we might stop hating those we disagree with, and Horatio
Clare and Nicola Kelly tell the stories behind the small boats crisis.
Evenings bring warmth, wit and personality: Helen McGinn pairs
bestselling fiction with a convivial wine tasting, Guy Chambers shares
stories behind his phenomenal song-writing career while comedian and
author Helen Thorn delivers laughter, honesty and hard-won wisdom
opening up about navigating big change. Film lovers can also enjoy A
Knight’s Tale screened in the atmospheric setting of Bath Abbey, just
one of the films screening as part of the ‘Movie at the Museum’ series.
This is a festival as diverse as the voices and ideas that shape it.
Tickets are on sale via curiousmindsfestival.co.uk with early bird
discounts available.
