London's universities do more than just teach students and produce research: they also contribute to the cultural life of the capital. To make the point, they put together an annual festival full of talks, performances and exhibitions, which this year starts tomorrow.
Of the talks, you can see Michael Morpurgo discussing writing realistically about pain and suffering for children, Will Self on England and Steven Berkoff chatting about himself, if Steven Berkoff ever did anything as frothy as 'chat'. Or how about one of several discussions about the Middle East, or feminism and gender equality? Gamers might be interested in the Macbeth, Montage and Machinima talk on Thursday. And in this anniversary year the Museum of Brands hosts a talk about the branding of Bond.
Catch a screening of Derek Jarman's Edward II and a panel discussion with Peter Tatchell, Juliet Jacques and Richard Maguire at Somerset House, or a 30ft boat made entirely from donated wood at King's College (pictured). An exhibition exploring Londoners' need for space and connection is on display all week at William Goodenough House, and from Wednesday work by print artists Brad Faine and Steven Thomas can be seen at Chelsea Futurespace.
We recommend booking now for a walk round east London's Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre sites with a lecturer in late medieval and early renaissance English literature on Friday. There's a £3 deposit but that's refundable when you turn up.
The Inside Out Festival runs 22-28 October at various venues around London. Many events are free. For more information see the festival website.
