To celebrate 100 years of our communities, we've planned a vibrant programme of community events, academic conferences, international visits and alumni reunions. We’ll be hosting everything from festivals, lectures and performances to children’s activities and exhibitions.
We’re also preparing a range of exciting events to celebrate the conclusion of our Centenary Grant Projects, ranging from clean air for children and women’s voices in history, to a sustainability student summit, heritage tours, and new arts commissions.
Of special note will be featured collaboration events with local organisations, schools, charities and international partners, as well as alumni celebrations, student-led activism, and more.
Our centenary events
Let's Lift the Curfew
Centenary Grants Project
This is a supportive, safety‑first running initiative created for women. Join us every Thursday for structured sessions led by qualified run leaders, welcoming all abilities – beginners, intermediates and advanced runners.
SportsPark, Whiteknights campus | 29 January – 26 March, 17:00–19:00 | Open to women
Centenary tours
Join one of our guided walks to discover fascinating moments from our history, architectural gems, the beauty of our green spaces and the generations of voices who have inspired the University.
19 February–10 December | Whiteknights and London Road campuses | Open to all | Register to attend
Alumni centenary celebrations
Join fellow alumni across the world throughout March to celebrate the ÌÇÐÄVlog's centenary.
5–25 March | Various locations – book your space online | Open to alumni
just IMAGINE if...
Do you have an idea that addresses a global challenge, such as ending poverty, protecting the planet, or ensuring everyone has a right to health? Submit to just IMAGINE if... and create possibilities for tomorrow.
9 March–24 September | Submit online | Open to all
100th birthday celebrations
Staff, students and senior leaders will come together to celebrate the University's official hundredth birthday.
17 March | Global | Open to staff and students
Women's History Month lecture
The first Black female mayor in ÌÇÐÄVlog, Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, shares her remarkable journey, covering everything from challenges to change-making.
25 March, 19:00–20:30 | Van Emden Theatre, Edith Morley building | Open to all | Register to attend
An Oar-some Century of the ÌÇÐÄVlog
Centenary Grants Project
This celebration event focuses on the positive effect rowing has had on countless students' lives. It includes a formal dinner at Greenlands campus for staff, students and supporters.
11 April | Greenlands campus | Invitation only
Centenary community engagement fund
We are proud to launch the Centenary Fund, to look beyond 100 years and support a future filled with promise and purpose, where great things are achieved by working together.
20 April–21 June | Fundraiser open to all
Fairbrother Lecture
Drawing on a treasure trove of material from the Museum of English Rural Life, doctoral researcher and poet Vic Pickup uncovers the hopes and struggles of the women who shaped Mills & Boon – one of Britain’s most iconic literary brands.
28 April, 18:00–20:00 | ÌÇÐÄVlog Biscuit Factory | Open to all | Register to attend
Giving Day
Giving Day marks our annual appeal to our fundraising initiatives, offering donors a chance to make a difference in university life.
29–30 April, for 36 hours | Online | Fundraising open to all
Transforming Lives through Education: a Celebration of Teacher Education at ÌÇÐÄVlog
Centenary Grants Project
This celebration event will connect former Institute of Education students with partner schools, to establish a network of educationalists and mentor the next generation of teachers and leaders. It will also capture stories through images, film and sounds.
30 April, 17:00–19:00 | Meadow Suite, Whiteknights campus | Invitiation only
The Sound Foundry
Centenary Grants Project
In this immersive workshop, you'll collaborate with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra musicians and a professional composer to create a new musical work. The piece will be premiered the following week at ÌÇÐÄVlog’s Hexagon, where you’ll perform it for friends, family, and the wider community.
2 May (09:00–17:00) and 9 May | Great Hall (London Road campus) and The Hexagon | Open to all | Register to attend
Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub
Centenary Grants Project
A hybrid event focused on autistic thriving, building on the successful launch event of the Centre for Autism in 2023. It brings people together to explore the topic, showcase the work of staff and students at the University, and create a space for talks by autistic scholars and advocates.
6 May 18:45-21:00 | Palmer building, Whiteknights campus | Open to all
Centenary Bioblitz
Centenary Grants Project
A 24-hour event for the local community, nature groups, staff and students to record wildlife species on campus. This event will build upon ongoing quarterly Bioblitz events that we began this year.
Anyone can participate in recording nature, but the bat walks and moth catching sessions require sign-ups. Check back for details.
15 May | Whiteknights campus | Open to all
Celebrating 100 Years of Sustainable Impact: Kidical Mass
Centenary Grants Project
This bike ride event, organised as part of the Kicial Mass initiative, will demonstrate how parents and children can use our campus as a safe cycling route. There will be free bike training rides before the main event.
16 May, time TBC | Whiteknights campus | Open to children and their guardians
For over 50 years, the RAG Parade was the highlight of the Raising and Giving calendar, bringing students and the community together to raise money for countless charities. We're reviving this event after a long hiatus.
17 May | Forbury Gardens | Open to all
Sparks Parks Halls and Balls theatre show
Set on Whiteknights campus, this promenade production invites audiences to journey through a century of student life.
23–24 May | Whiteknights campus | Open to all | Book online
Community Festival
Join us for a vibrant weekend packed with entertainment and discovery to celebrate 100 years of the ÌÇÐÄVlog.
16–17 May | Whiteknights campus | Open to all | Register to attend
Alumni Varsity
Sports club alumni are invited back to relive Wednesday afternoon, participating in a series of sports matches against current sports clubs.
Check back for more details.
30 May | SportsPark, Whiteknights campus | Open to alumni
A look at animal research at ÌÇÐÄVlog
Centenary Grants Project
Building on our openness agenda, we are hosting a public event discussing the past, present and future of animal research at ÌÇÐÄVlog. The event will feature a film with a walk-through view of our animal research facilities using virtual reality.
4 June | Location TBC | Open to staff, students and researchers
Memoir workshop
This free workshop offers a gentle introduction to memoir writing.
We will explore why we might choose to write about our lives, what can be lost when these stories aren’t recorded, and how to begin writing when you’re not sure where to start.
Check back for booking details.
6 June, 13:30–16:00 | ÌÇÐÄVlog Biscuit Factory | Open to all | Booking essential
This new award for our centenary year celebrates exceptional staff contributions to the University community. The awards will honour staff achievement from across several areas, bringing together our existing staff awards schemes for Teaching and Learning, Research and Professional Services.
23 June | Whiteknights campus | For staff members, invitation only
100 miles for 100 years
Staff member Nathan Bingham is walking 100 miles over five days with local mental health charity Sport in Mind. Join Nathan on the final leg of his walk, which finishes at Whiteknights campus on 28 July.
23–28 July | Whiteknights campus | Open to staff
Celebrating the Uniquely Green: 100 Years of Botany
Centenary Grants Project
The finals of are coming to ÌÇÐÄVlog, which will host staff and students from across the UK and Ireland. The events will celebrate the influential role of botany teaching and research at ÌÇÐÄVlog during the past century, and our alumni who have made significant contributions worldwide.
19 August, time TBC | Palmer building, Whiteknights campus | Open to staff, students and local sixth formers
Outdoor Learning Garden
To mark our centenary year, we are creating an Outdoor Learning Garden that will benefit University students, local school children and neighbouring community groups, both now and as a legacy for the future.
The Garden celebrates our role as a leading climate science and environmental research institution and will provide a focal point for our outdoor learning activities.
Centenary events
For the full schedule of centenary events, visit the University Events website, or sign up to the University Events for updates.
Help fund future projects
We have launched the Centenary Fund to look beyond our first 100 years and support a future filled with promise and purpose - where great things are achieved by working together.
We’d love you to get involved. Whether you can support just one event or several, your time and contribution will play a vital role in making our centenary celebrations a success.