This weekend will see hundreds of alumni and their guests return to the University of Cambridge for a packed programme of events.

Over 1000 people from all around the world are expected to take part in the 16th Alumni Weekend, catching up with friends and renewing old acquaintances.

One of the highlights is always the Alumni Debate at the Union held on Saturday evening and this year should be no exception.

The motion, ‘This House would bring back selection in schools’ is likely to see a lively exchange of views, with Fiona Millar, Guardian journalist and former aid to Cherie Blair, battling against Prof Anthony O’Hear, philosopher and one time education advisor to Margaret Thatcher.

Other protagonists in the debate include local head teacher Andrew Hutchinson, of the Parkside Federation in Cambridge and Christine Blower, deputy Secretary General of the National Union of Teachers.

Jenny Zinovieff from the Cambridge University Development Office said: “Although many events over the weekend are now fully booked, the Alumni Debate still has places available. Local alumni in particular are warmly invited to attend.”

Also over the weekend, Sir Mark Tully, BBC India correspondent for 22 years and presenter of the acclaimed television series, ‘The Lives of Jesus’, will examine the growing tensions between religious belief and the wider world and try to answer the very topical question: which came first, aggressive secularism or religious fanaticism?

Alumni will also have the chance to ‘come and sing’ Mozart’s Requiem accompanied by the Cambridge Graduate Orchestra conducted by John Rutter while world famous journalist, John Simpson, will share some of his personal recollections from a long and distinguished career reporting from some of the world’s most troubled places.

On Saturday, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Alison Richard, will speak to a capacity audience in Lady Mitchell Hall, followed by a lecture from Prof Quentin Skinner entitled, ‘What is freedom?’

With lectures, concerts, exhibitions, and a host of social events organised by the departments, libraries, museums and Colleges, the programme looks set to ensure the 16th Alumni Weekend will be another success.

More details about all the events can be found on the web link.

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