Cambridge Seminar

The Cambridge Seminar takes place every two years. It was last held over a week in mid-July 2009. The British Council's Cambridge Seminar on contemporary literature has influenced discussion, performance and debate of literature for over 30 years.

Over the years the seminar has brought together an impressive group of contemporary British writers and critics and offers delegates an unrivalled and unforgettable literary experience consisting of a lively mix of talks, panel discussions, performances, debates and an opportunity to talk with the writers about their work. Other writers who have been part of the programme in recent years include Michael Frayn, Paul Muldoon, David Lodge, Doris Lessing, David Edgar, Rose Tremain, John Fowles, Ian McEwan, Harold Pinter, Salman Rushdie, Benjamin Zephaniah and Helen Dunmore.

Participants, who come from many countries, have opportunities to meet and hear a wide range of writers from the UK, as well as take part in discussions about a range of literary trends and issues. In bringing together the insight and experiences of writers and participants in a strongly international context, the Cambridge Seminar offers an unrivalled literary experience. This is an opportunity to take part in one of the most intimate and influential literary events in the world in the relaxed surroundings of a Cambridge University College. The target group for the Seminar is anyone who is professionally engaged with literature: writers, translators, academics, literary editors and critics, teachers, librarians, broadcasters, literary venue administrators and festival programmers. Good spoken English is essential: participants will get most from the Seminar if they enjoy and contribute to the discussion and interchange it fosters. The Seminar also provides participants with the opportunity to meet and network with other literature professionals. There are places for up to 50 participants. 

Many people who have attended the seminar in the past have described it as a defining moment in their careers, bringing them up-to-date with new trends in writing today and introducing them to an international network of like-minded people. The seminar profiles the UK’s creative ideas and achievements and has been proven to increase the number of quality relationships between the UK and many other countries. It actively builds ties for the UK’s creative and knowledge economy.

The event is fully residential and is organised by the British Council Literature Department.