Cheltenham Festivals Membership Directors' Picks 2012

Directors’ Picks 2012 Preview Jazz / Music / Science

Members book first Jazz Music

13 - 19 Feb 27 Feb - 4 Mar

Science 26 Mar - 1 Apr

Box office 01242 505 444 cheltenhamfestivals.com

Festival line-ups revealed

Behind the scenes

Exclusive interviews

Welcome

2012:

to your Members’ magazine 2011 was an exceptional year for the Festivals with record breaking sales, over a thousand inspiring events and a fantastic level of support from you, our Members.

As a Member you play an essential role in the Festivals; whether that’s buying the tickets, bringing your friends, sharing your views or generously giving your time and money.

We’ve so many exciting plans in store and so many inspiring people to welcome to the Cheltenham stage this year. Ticket sales contribute less than half of what it costs to stage four incredible Festivals, and as a charity we really do appreciate all the support you can give.

I look forward to seeing you in 2012.

Jazz

2 - 7 May

Music

Make it a Festival year

4 - 15 July

Science 12 - 17 June

Literature 5 - 14 Oct

Free £10 voucher for Members

Donna Renney Chief Executive

Come to all the Festivals this year, and enjoy a free £10 Cheltenham Festivals voucher.

Just hold on to a ticket from each, download the form and send it in at the end of the year.

New year: new benefits Thanks to everyone who shared their comments and suggestions for Membership and the Festivals.

In 2012, look out for: Select your seat Choose your own seat when you book online (from Music Festival booking onwards) Members’ priority entry Get in earlier to unreserved events at selected venues

Contents Support Us Pg 20

Picture credits

Top picks from the festival line-up

Jazz

Pg 4

Cheltenham Festivals needs your help

Music

Membership Pg 22

Details of all the photographers whose images are used in this document can be found at cheltenhamfestivals. com/directorspicks

Pg 10

Celebrating all things British

Science

Priority booking, discounts and more

Pg 15

Exciting experiences not to miss

Join Today Pg 25 Or renew your membership

Cheltenham Festivals is a registered Charity No 251765 2

Bigger Directors’ Picks LIVE Discover Jazz and Music together in our exclusive Members’ evening (see back cover for details) Early programme announcements Find the full line-ups online, the week before we go on sale

Special nights out Premium ticket packages at Jazz More places to save Hotels, bars and restaurants offering a discount to Members

Join today from £15 Call 01242 505444 Visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/membership Return the form on the back cover @cheltfestivals

/cheltenhamfestivals

Terms and conditions apply, see cheltenhamfestivals.com/membership

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com

Plus priority booking and ticket discounts for Members! See page 22 for more.

Longer to book for Music Plan your summer earlier in the year

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Jazz

2 - 7 May

#cheltjazzfest Discover more: sound samples at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks

Soak up the atmosphere Free music and great food

Make a night of it Headliners playing every night Michael Parkinson

Discover something new Up and coming artists in the Jazz Arena Hilde Marie Kjersem

Night to remember Classy music, food and surroundings at The Daffodil

Only at Cheltenham

Paloma Faith Festival Finale Monday 7 May

Unique collaborations and the best contemporary jazz at Parabola

Paloma Faith showcases her new record in its debut orchestral performance.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2 – 7 May 2012. Members book first from 13 February

Members’ priority booking 13 – 19 February

Five Festival experiences not to miss

Tony Dudley-Evans

I can’t wait for Jazz 2012: there’s more of a Festival feel than ever, and an outstanding range of live music with the best in jazz, blues and soul.

See you there.

Tony Tony Dudley-Evans Artistic Director

“This was my first time at the festival, and I was really impressed.

The line-up was terrific (and introduced me to some acts I’d not heard of before) as was the setting, the amenities and the overall atmosphere.

I shall definitely be coming back next year!”

AUDIENCE MEMBER 2011

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com 4

5

New for 2012

PLAN YOUR PERFECT DAY!

Paloma Faith: Artist in Residence

It’s a Bank Holiday weekend, and what better way to spend it than at the Jazz Festival?

I’ll never forget Paloma’s incredible finale in 2010, and we’re thrilled to bring her and Guy Barker’s orchestra together again for what’s sure to be another unmissable show.

With her trademark theatricality, incredible style and vocals, Paloma embodies all that’s best about live music and I’m delighted to be working with her as Artist in Residence this year.

Morning Not traditionally the best time for Jazzers, but with coffee and breakfast on offer, it’s the perfect time to pick up the weekend papers and settle in to listen.

Try: Family Breakfast Show, Jazz it Up! school showcase

There’s so much more to discover…

Headliners

Parabola

Jazz legends in big headline shows.

Film noir and acclaimed jazz movies.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s renowned contemporary programme moves to a brand new venue. Join us there to hear the best of today’s jazz scene.

“Have a go” Music Lab

Daffodil

Boutique cinema

An interactive musical technology discovery area at the heart of the Festival.

Jazz Coffee Lounge The best drinks and jazz vibes.

Arena Exciting mix of soul divas, jazz trios and blues at a great price.

Treat yourself to dinner and drinks in the classy refurbished Art Deco cinema building in the heart of Cheltenham’s fashionable Suffolks district.

Food and drink There’s more choice than ever: from the flavours of the Caribbean to the Cotswolds.

Afternoon Grab some food from one of the stalls and picnic. Meet your friends and head to the Arena for a great live show, or Parabola for cutting edge jazz.

Try: Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Hilde Marie Kjersem

Evening Make a night of it with a headline show or enjoy some dinner with your jazz at stunning art-deco restaurant, The Daffodil.

Try: Friday Night is Music Night (featuring the music of Ray Charles), Daffodil dinner package

After dark Dance the night away at the Daffodil, or head to the Hotel du Vin for an impromptu after-show session.

Try: Jazzing it up 1920s style at The Daffodil or classy cocktails and jazz at Hotel du Vin

Tony Paloma Faith

“Nothing beats the sound… it is kind of the closest to heaven that we have on earth.”

It’s great to be performing with Guy Barker and his orchestra again as it’s going to be the first time I’ve ever showcased my new record with an orchestra.

It will be nice to seal the relationship that I have with Guy which is actually owed to Festival, and hopefully we will be able to bring on a more theatrical element as well.

Discover more with Membership

Tony Dudley-Evans Artistic Director

Performing in Cheltenham will be special because nothing beats the sound that all those people collectively can make, together it is kind of the closest to heaven that we have on earth. There is so much nuance in the quiet moments and the loud moments and all the dynamics in between are mind blowing and until you are there listening to it, there is nothing like it. I don’t really care what is going on in my life when I am standing there.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival is different to other Jazz Festivals because it embraces not only the great history of jazz but also showcases artists that I know personally to be contemporary but also

influenced by jazz that maybe its audience didn’t realize were so strongly influenced by that background.

As Artist in Residence I’ll be: · Programming a short collection of film noire films that I love…. · Closing the Festival in a special one-off concert with Guy… · Inviting some special guests to perform.

Read more about Paloma’s invited artists, musical influences and new album at cheltenhamfestivals.com/ directorspicks

Ticket discounts, priority booking and exclusive events.

Join today from £15

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks 6

7

Jazz

Artistic Director Tony Dudley-Evans’ picks of the Festival

Bill Frisell

Bill Frisell Bill’s one of the world’s finest guitarists with a unique, beautifully uplifting style. He’s not often in the UK so it’s a real treat to have him, and he’s supported by a standout group of musicians in a mesmerising show. He sold out the last time he was here: highly recommended.

TONY’S PICK FOR….

Everybody! Really accessible and suited to jazz sceptics and experienced fans alike.

Jeff is a great jazz drummer and bandleader, and it’s a treat to see such an experienced and talented player in a small venue. With drums, trumpet and sax, this is sure to be a hard-hitting, hard-swinging show.

TONY’S PICK FOR… Jazz fans looking to discover a top New York band in an intimate setting.

Marcus Miller Don’t miss this blend of funk, jazz, soul and R’n’B that’s sure to get people tapping their feet and dancing in their seats. Marcus is one of the best electric bass players in the business, having played with everyone from Miles Davis to Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Frank Sinatra.

TONY’S PICK FOR… People looking for a lively and fun night out with an utter jazz legend.

John Taylor After winning a BBC Jazz Award for his 60th birthday composition, this performance of Taylor’s brand new commission, written for his 70th, is highly anticipated and even features his two sons. A respected pianist with over 80 album recordings, John’s style is unique and significantly influenced by classical music.

TONY’S PICK FOR… People wanting to see a master pianist on top form, and hear something first.

Chris Potter It’s not often you find jazz written for a ten piece ensemble, and this set, featuring leading US saxophonist Chris Potter and new talent from the Birmingham Conservatoire, promises to be special. This music is quite different to his other work; gentle, unorthodox and really quite beautiful.

Jeff Williams

TONY’S PICK FOR… Those looking for a pleasant surprise.

Well worth a try: wonderfully rich and absorbing.

Jeff Williams This concert’s a fantastic chance to see four top musicians from New York.

Dinner & Jazz at The Daffodil Early booking recommended

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John Taylor

Dine

Dance

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with your jazz as you settle back to enjoy the best jazz vocalists and instrumentalists in the stunning Art Deco setting.

Then on Saturday night, step back in time as we recreate the lively jazz scene of the roaring 20s and dance till the early hours.

Don’t Miss

Festival favourite Jamie Cullum will be bringing his BBC Radio 2 show live to the Festival this year. We caught up with his Radio 2 producer, Karen Pearson for a look behind the scenes.

Headliners

How would you describe Jamie’s show?

It’s a bit of a balancing act!

We try and represent as wide a range of jazz music as possible, from the classic 40s big band stuff to exciting new artists. We also feature a strong live music element and take full advantage of the amazing BBC archives.

How do you go about choosing the music?

Lots and lots of listening!

Jamie is a really big music collector and buys lots of new (and old) music every week, so he’s always got loads of jazz and other types of music that he wants to play.

Everyone at Folded Wing (my production company) is really well connected so we’re always ahead of the game with new artists, new music and reissues. I sit down with Jamie each week and we put together a rough playlist for each show.

You feature lots of guests.

Who were you most excited to work with?

Highlights for priority booking

Producer Karen Pearson and Jamie Cullum meet special guest Clint Eastwood for BBC Radio 2.

Jamie and I are both big fans, and I know Wynton has been a really big influence on Jamie as a musician. Seeing how excited Jamie was to do the interview was a real buzz for me, and because Jamie’s such a fan, it brought a whole new level to the interview. Jamie and Wynton hit it off and had a great rapport, which all contributed to a really lovely show.

You’re bringing the show to Cheltenham this year, what’s special about Cheltenham Jazz Festival?

Cheltenham is one of the most important jazz festivals in the UK and I always love going.

Plus the Festival is very close to Jamie’s heart. Not only has he played some amazing live shows there, he’s also been Guest Director and helped curate the line up. I can’t wait for 2012!

Catch Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2 every Tuesday 7 – 8pm Jamie will be bringing his BBC Radio 2 show, and some of his favourite artists, to Cheltenham in May. See full programme for details.

Read the full interview online at cheltenhamfestivals.com/ I think my personal favourite was probably Wynton Marsalis. directorspicks

Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2 – 7 May 2012. Members book first from 13 February

DIRECTOR’S PICKS

Jamie cullum

BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night: The Music of Ray Charles Celebration of the classic R’n’B singer Marcus Miller Funky jazz from bass legend Bill Frisell Enthralling US guitar legend Paloma Faith & Guy Barker Orchestra Exclusive Festival finale

Arena Chris Potter Tentet Top saxophonists’ americana influenced jazz John Taylor New work by renowned British pianist Abram Wilson British folk songs Lighthouse Classically influenced intimate trio

Parabola Jeff Williams Hard-hitting, hard-swinging show Fieldwork Leading New York trio Tweedle Dee Anglo-french jazz collective collaboration

Members

SAVE 10%

on Festival tickets

Full programme released in February cheltenhamfestivals.com 9

Music

4 - 15 July

Members’ priority booking 27 February – 4 March

A single pianist Melvyn Tan plays Bach at the Pump Room Sunday 8 July Melvyn Tan

A huge orchestra The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Steven Isserlis salute London Sunday 15 July

A heavenly choir Rachmaninov’s Vespers from Ex Cathedra Wednesday 11 July Cheltenham College Chapel

A family outing Pluck’s Musical Arson Sunday 15 July Pluck

Something Different A Tango and Balkan Gypsy Klezmer double bill Wednesday 11 July

Nigel Kennedy Friday 13th July Nigel Kennedy joins cellist Steven Isserlis and friends for Elgar’s Piano Quintet.

She’ Koyoch

members SAVE 10% on Festival tickets

Cheltenham Music Festival 4 – 15 July 2012. Members book first from 27 February

#cheltmusicfest Discover more: sound samples at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks

Five sounds of the music festival

Don’t Miss programme highlights: week one Wed 4 July Guitarist Milos with the Carducci Quartet English song with video from James Gilchrist Thu 5 July The Nash Ensemble perform Mozart and Brahms The BBC Singers with a host of premieres Fri 6 July French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet with ‘The Essential Debussy’ The sumptuous 1923 silent film Salome accompanied by live music Sat 7 July The Worcester Fragments from Trio Medieval Babur, a new topical opera

by Edward Rushton Delius’ incidental music to Flecker’s Baghdad romance Hassan Sun 8 July ‘Music from the Missions’ with Florilegium and a stunning Bolivian Choir Royal Musical Treasures for the Diamond Jubilee – coronation pomp and majesty from Handel, Elgar, Parry and Walton

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks 10

11

Festival Focus: time capsule 1914-18 Does music sound different when you hear it in its original context? I’ve been working with violinist Katharine Gowers to create this three day focus on all things musical and non-musical from the years 1914-18. We’ll journey concert by concert, year by year, and explore the cultural and political context along the way.

DIRECTOR’S PICKS

Festival Director Meurig Bowen’s picks of the programme

Meurig Bowen Orchestra of the Music Makers

Meurig Bowen, Director

Originally, it was Katharine’s idea to put music from a single year in context – framing concerts with an all-encompassing look at that year’s happenings in the worlds of literature, art, architecture, science and current affairs.

After some deliberation, we decided to go for five successive years – working back from the year that Debussy, one of 2012’s anniversary composers, died.

Extraordinary times: 1914-18

‘So much changed between 1914-18,’ Katharine says. ‘It’s often remarked that the modern world began with the end of the war in 1918. Musically speaking, it’s a fascinating period. Romanticism has its last gasp alongside forward-looking modernity. In 1918, for example, you get The Soldier’s Tale from Stravinsky at the same time as Elgar’s Piano Quintet, a very different kind of piece.

Putting them in the same concert will be fascinating I’m sure.’

What else was happening in those war years? What can you expect to hear about in our Explore sessions?

And hearing Steven Isserlis perform the Elgar with Nigel Kennedy and friends will certainly be a festival highlight.

Other musicians to feature in this 1914-18 series include Norwegians Henning Kraggerud, Lars Anders Tomter and Christian Ihle Hadland, cellist Adrian Brendel and flautist Emily Beynon. They will play music by composers such as Bartók, Bruch, Fauré, Janácek, Ravel and Rachmaninov – and of course Debussy.

Henning Kraggerud

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Katharine Gowers

Steven Isserlis

Literature & Poetry James Joyce, D.H.Lawrence, John Buchan, T.S. Eliot, Somerset Maugham… and of course the war poets Art & Architecture Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Klee, Lutyens, Frank Lloyd Wright Science & Technology Einstein, Freud, huge advances in aviation and telephony And …

1914 The Panama Canal opened 1916 British Summer Time introduced 1917 Charlie Chaplin earned $1million 1917 Bobbed haircut arrived 1917 Russian Revolution 1918 US Air Mail started, as did Spanish Flu…

Orchestra of the Music Makers - Friday 6 July This fantastic new orchestra from Singapore are making their European debut. They’re new - just five years old - and their average age is just 22. Top notch though. In a sumptuous programme that includes Delius, Holst and Debussy, they’ll be joined by pianist Melvyn Tan for Ravel’s stunning piano concerto. The tender middle movement is one of the loveliest things ever written.

MEURIG’S PICK FOR… Luxuriant orchestral opulence and collective youthful exuberance.

I Fagiolini in Tewkesbury Abbey - Monday 9 July When I was offered a live re-creation of I Fagiolini’s award-winning, chart-topping recording of Striggio’s newlydiscovered 40 part mass, it was clearly a must-book unique festival event. This will be a spectacular shiver-down-thespine experience: 60+ voices and 20 renaissance brass re-creating the splendour of Striggio’s mass, Tallis’s Spem in Alium and music by Gabrieli written four centuries ago for St Mark’s Venice.

MEURIG’S PICK FOR… Awe-inspiring sounds in an equally magnificent space.

Ivor Gurney in words and music - Friday 13 / Saturday 14 July Pianist and broadcaster Iain Burnside has created a very special piece for the stage about the life and work of Gloucester-born poet-composer Ivor Gurney.

Touching and vibrant, A Soldier and a Maker brings Gurney’s beautiful songs to life amidst his poetry and letters. It’s biography, literature and music entwined in a way I’ve never encountered before.

MEURIG’S PICK FOR… Lit Fest buffs dipping their toe into the Music Festival.

Sarah Connolly

Sarah Connolly and Savitri Saturday 14 July Before he wrote The Planets, Cheltenham-raised Gustav Holst composed a remarkable one-act opera based on a love story featured in the Indian epic The Mahabharata. The title role of Savitri is perfect for mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly – a Gloucestershire resident whose immense talents are now gracing the world’s opera stages, from Glyndebourne and Covent Garden to the Met in New York.

MEURIG’S PICK FOR… Witnessing a great British performer at the top of her game.

Don’t Miss programme highlights: week two Mon 9 July Brahms and Ravel from prodigy pianist Benjamin Grosvenor and the Escher Quartet Tue 10 July The Prince Consort – love songs by Brahms, Schumann and Stephen Hough Wed 11 July A candlelit Rachmaninov’s Vespers Thu 12 July David Fanshawe’s vivid journey through the sounds of Africa, African Sanctus Fri 13 July The climax of our 1914-18 concerts: Nigel Kennedy and Steven Isserlis head up a performance of Elgar’s Piano Quintet Sat 14 July A Debussy tribute from Percussions Claviers de Lyon A 100-strong choir and orchestra from Utrecht University perform Bach’s Mass in B Minor Sun 15 July A ‘baton handover’ salute to London, featuring Vaughan Williams’ London Symphony, Elgar’s Cockaigne Overture, Holst’s Hammersmith and Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

With Steven Isserlis, Martyn Brabbins and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

More festival line-up details online at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks 13

Start your day with pure indulgence: Pittville Mornings

PLAN YOUR PERFECT DAY! We’re celebrating all things British at the Festival this year, and there’s no better way to enjoy the English summer – whatever the weather.

Science

12 - 17 June

Members’ priority booking 26 March – 1 April

#cheltscifest Exclusive content online at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks

Morning Indulge in Regency splendour at Pittville Pump Room. With tea or coffee served on the colonnade, and the world’s finest pianists, singers and string quartets, this is Cheltenham at its finest.

Try: Nash Ensemble, Time Capsule 1914, 1916 & 1917

Afternoon Discover a different side of the Festival with a film, discussion or talk. Journey out to a beautiful Cotswold church, or try your hand at the Gamelan.

Pittville Pump Room

Every morning at eleven, the world’s finest pianists, singers and string quartets take to the stage in the 1820s elegance of the Pittville Pump Room. Lose yourself in one of the world’s finest acoustic and architectural spaces for chamber music as the sights and sounds of the Grade I listed building transport you far away from the cares of everyday life.

Breakfast with Bavouzet Immerse yourself in Debussy’s piano music, performed by the charming and charismatic Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

croissants and Jean-Efflam’s colourful descriptions of this great French composer.

A three-part concert with one extended interval leaves a perfect space to enjoy coffee,

“The Festival’s morning recitals at the Pump Room are its continuing glory.”

The Sunday Times, 2011 14

Try: A Soldier and a Maker, Civic Society Walk or a Time Capsule talk

Evening Pushed for time? Squeeze in a Parabola Rush Hour concert straight from work or make a night of it with a blast of symphonic sound at Cheltenham Town Hall.

Try: harpist Ruth Wall, Salute to London concert

Late night Long, midsummer days lead on to warm, light nights. Lose yourself in the candlelit atmosphere of Cheltenham College Chapel or discover something new at Parabola.

Try: Salome silent film, Anglo-Indian Svara Kanti

Alice Roberts Evolution: The Human Story “I feel lucky to be alive - and not pruned, just yet!”

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks 15

Get hands on Area 42 for adults and Discover Zone for the kids

Visit the Talking Point Keep the discussion going after your event

Pick a random event It only takes an hour to discover something new

Catch a familiar face Hear the very best in the business Brian Cox

Have fun with the family Bangs, crashes, explosions – science as you’ve never known it

The Times Cheltenham Science Festival 12 – 17 June 2012. Members book first from 26 March

Five Festival experiences not to miss

“Every time I come there’s something different to see. I love finding out what’s going on in science” Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist 16

Introducing

Science Mark Lythgoe

Kathy Sykes

We love the fun and variety of this Festival, and the blend between the absurd and the serious, the universal and the personal. Join us in June and discover the world around you in a new light.

Mark & Kathy Mark Lythgoe and Kathy Sykes Festival Directors

Not been to the Science Festival yet?

Why not try... ✓ Comedy, quizzes and cabaret

Re:generation [noun] 1. the bringing of new and more vigorous life…

2. the production or creation of something…

3. all of the people born and living at about the same time...

After ten years of growth, The Times Cheltenham Science Festival is ready to refresh, reload, create itself anew and draw on the past to make something better than ever.

From medicine to technology, economic recovery to energy, we’ll be looking at the role of science in our ever regenerating society.

And we’ll be investigating generations too, from what it means to live longer than ever before to imagining the world that younger generations might one day inhabit.

Lizzie_Crouch Lizzie Crouch Call my scientific bluff - genius!

Perfect line-up of people as well - glad I managed to get into this event at #CheltSciFest

Whatever the topic, it’s sure to generate some heated debate.

So come and revive your curiosity, replenish your knowledge and reboot your sense of wonder as the Festival regenerates itself.

markmiodownik Mark Miodownik Farewell #cheltscifest - agree with @jimalkhalili - it’s the best science festival in the world - well done to the whole #cheltscifest team

Timandra Harkness Writer, comedian and Science Festival favourite

✓ Demos and workshops ✓ Environment and nature ✓ Family fun

✓ Health and body ✓ Psychology ✓ Space and physics

Piggibax Philippa McIntyre Saw Chem with a Bang at #CheltSciFest “never trust what someone is saying because he is bald & wearing a white coat” fab!

RuthAhmedzai Ruth Ahmedzai never learned so much physics in an hour: thanks @martinarcher aka DJ Physics for an awesome DJing tutorial #cheltscifest

✓ Cutting edge discoveries

✓ New technology

2012

Mark Miodownik

Top Festival tips

“Do not agree to be a volunteer on stage at the Over Ambitious Demo Challenge event, even if you are really ambitious…”

Mark Miodownik

“Get in early if you want the star names, but every event and speaker is there for a reason, so experiment – it would be unscientific not to!”

Quentin Cooper

“If you happen to bump into one of your science heroes – and you will – don’t be shy, now’s your chance to say hi.”

Jim Al-Khalili

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks 17

Every year, we welcome around 300 speakers, scientists, politicians and performers to the Festival. Here are just a couple of our favourites for 2012.

could you Discover the next Brian Cox..?

FameLab’s back!

FAMELAB, our original competition to spot up-andcoming science talent, returns to the Festival this year.

The contestants get just three minutes to convey their top science idea: we gave judge Kathy Sykes the same to tell us all about it.

FameLab’s about spotting and nurturing talent. We train and support scientists to communicate scientific ideas in the most approachable way - just like talks at the Science Festival. But they have to do it in three minutes!

I never thought it would get so big. International contestants have gained the confidence to kick-start science communication movements in their own countries: it’s been beyond our wildest dreams.

The thing I love is seeing people develop and do incredible things. When you watch someone get better through the heats and the

MasterClass, and then into the finals and beyond; to win awards, travel the world or appear on TV or radio – it’s brilliant.

The best time was the very first International Final. The quality was amazing, and the contestants were all speaking in a second language too: it blew me away. We saw them communicating brilliantly with the audience and with each other, and we knew a very special network was emerging.

The trick to winning is finding a topic that will appeal to the audience, but being courageous enough to tackle something new and important.

The science of beer is certainly fun, but when someone brings their own cutting edge research in, the results can be truly spectacular.

Watch Kathy judging and catch the International FameLab final live at the Festival.

FameLab… • 7 years • 21 countries • 3600 FameLab alumni • Projects running with top research centres like NASA and CERN • Past contestants include TV’s Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Blue Peter Scientist in Residence Steve Mould as well as multiple award winners. … Bizarrely, the X-factor of Turkey! 25% of Turkey’s population watched the FameLab final on TV.

Alice Roberts

Five minutes with…

Alice Roberts This year, I’ve been trying to balance work and being a mum - not an easy trick, as every parent knows. I’m enjoying the immense privilege of watching someone develop in front of my eyes, whilst grappling with the challenges of looking after a very headstrong toddler!

get in first

Cheltenham Science Festival is a unique cultural event which brings together scientists from every field imaginable, and people from all walks of life. It reminds us that science isn’t separate from our culture and our society - it’s part of it, and it’s something to be celebrated.

See Alice Roberts at the Science Festival in June.

Evolution - The Human Story is out now. (Dorling Kindersley)

I’ve also enjoyed working on two series for BBC 2: Origins of Us, on evolutionary anatomy, and a second series of Digging for Britain, looking at current British archaeology.

If I could regenerate as anything it would be a bird, probably a fulmar. Flying is something that humans have always dreamt of, and it’s wonderful, but I’d still like to experience it without the aid of a machine. Just imagine what it feels like to swoop along a cliff-edge on the updraft!

My favourite science quote has to be “Life is a copiously branching bush, continually

to unreserved events 18

pruned by the grim reaper of extinction” from Steven Jay Gould. Such a great metaphor for Natural Selection, and makes you feel lucky to be alive - and not pruned, just yet.

Bruce Hood

Q&A Bruce Hood Bruce Hood, experimental psychologist, gave this year’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, following in the footsteps of Michael Faraday, David Attenborough and Richard Dawkins.

Science is the most important human activity without exception. All the problems that we are going to face will require scientists to solve them, whether it is population expansion, climate change, pandemics or travelling to a new world.

The Christmas Lectures (and Science Festivals) have the potential to spark the imagination of the next generation of scientists who we will need to solve the problems our planet will face.

I met Mark Miodownik, who gave last year’s lecture, at the 2011 Science Festival, and he told me that doing the Christmas Lectures was a bit like getting married: you are the centre of attention but there are a whole lot of things going on around you that you have no idea of.

My talk’s about the structure, function and purpose of the human brain - or at least trying to give young people a taste of these areas. I want to show how the brain is a sophisticated biological computer that creates who we are and how it’s evolved to interact with other brains in a way that generates new creative thoughts.

Watch Bruce Hood at June’s Science Festival.

The Self Illusion: Why There is No ‘You’ Inside Your Head (Constable & Robinson) is released in April.

Discover More from Alice Roberts and Bruce Hood at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks 19

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✓ Dedicated Patron booking line ✓ Invitations to special events at each Festival ✓ Opportunities to meet the Festival Directors, performers and speakers ✓ Public acknowledgement of your patronage if you wish To find out more please contact Arlene McGlynn, Patrons Manager, 01242 775857, email arlene.mcglynn@cheltenhamfestivals.com or cheltenhamfestivals.com/patrons

• As a charity, if you can Gift Aid your donation it will increase its value to us by 25%.

Please help us to • Attract the most exciting writers, scientists, politicians, musicians and performers • Add bite and buzz to Cheltenham life • Ensure the Festivals are sustainable and continue to develop • Involve the wider community through our education and outreach programmes • Inspire future generations and stage free and family events

No donation is too small and will help to ensure Cheltenham Festivals’ future development.

Please make a donation today

Patronage starts from £800 a year and Life Patronage is £25,000

With tax benefits, becoming a Patron doesn’t cost as much as you might think…

As a UK taxpayer you can claim tax relief on your donation, and an annual gift of £800 could cost as little as £500

“I just love being involved because you get to the heart of all the culture in Cheltenham. I can put my passion for live music into something really exciting right on our doorstep.

I initially got involved so that generations to come can experience what we’ve got now, but more recently I’ve found that one of the best things about being a Patron is the people that you meet. I thought I was doing this for philanthropic purposes but actually it’s become a lot more exciting!”

Fiona McLeod

Fiona McLeod, Patron

Call

01242 505444

Post

Cheltenham Festivals, Unit 77 Regent Arcade High Street Cheltenham GL50 1JZ

Remember us in your Will Leaving a gift in your Will helps us to ensure future generations receive as much enjoyment from the Cheltenham Festivals as you do today. After remembering your loved ones, please consider including Cheltenham Festivals in your Will.

To find our more please contact Nicola Lawson, Legacies Manager, 01242 775858, nicola.lawson@cheltenhamfestivals. com or cheltenhamfestivals/legacy

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com 20

21

Membership

Discover more… with Cheltenham Festivals Membership Exc eve lusive nts

Fuelyn Glennie

Save with ticket discounts Special offers at Montpellier Chapter Spa When you join or renew your Membership by 30 January Start the new year in style with an indulgent spa treatment at Cheltenham’s luxury Montpellier Chapter Spa. Enjoy half price treatments throughout January and February, Monday to Friday on the production of your Membership card.

Join today, and be a part of all 2012’s Festivals Jazz, Science, Music and Literature

Brian Cox

Book first for sell out shows

Apply online

Be a part of something amazing

See a new side to the Festivals

As a Member, you’ll belong to one the UK’s leading cultural organisations and help to bring thousands of artists, speakers and performers to Cheltenham each year.

Like to get more involved?

Volunteering’s a great way to see a new side to the Festivals, whether it’s helping in the offices beforehand, distributing print or manning the Members’ desk at the Festival.

Choose…

Meet other Members and the Festival teams and be a part of something special.

✓ Priority booking for you and a guest ✓ Priority entry to unreserved events (selected venues) ✓ Advance programme notifications ✓ Directors’ Picks Magazine ✓ Invitations to Directors’ Picks LIVE Members’ events

Membership is a great way to begin, but there’s so much more you can do. See page 20 for details.

Contact membership@ cheltenhamfestivals.com for more information.

Terms and conditions apply.

cheltenhamfestivals.com/ membership

By post using the enclosed form

By phone

Associate Membership

01242 505444

Priority privileges

Terms and conditions apply see cheltenhamfestivals. com/membership

Full Membership Priority privileges plus discounts chapterhotels.com

All of the Associate benefits… plus We’ll let you know when it’s time to renew your Membership: there’s no need to take any action until you receive your renewal notice.

Membership anniversary coming up?

Choose Direct Debit to renew your Membership automatically each year, and save £5 on most rates.

Refer a Friend Know someone who loves the Festivals? Refer a friend to the scheme and receive a free £5 Cheltenham Festivals voucher to say thank you. Terms and conditions apply.

*Discounted tickets are for Members’ sole use and apply to Full Members only.

Discounts cannot be given on events that include food or drink in the ticket price. Terms and conditions apply.

22

✓ 10% discount on Festival tickets ✓ Great offers around Cheltenham ✓ Refer a friend vouchers ✓ £10 voucher when you attend all four Festivals

Fu ll

As so c

iat e

Me

fro mb m ce £15 s ers Ind sion h a i ivi ry p du al fro Jo int m £15 fro Fam m Sa i l £ y ve fro 30 £5 m £5 wi f r 0 om th Di £5 rec 2 t Co n

De

bit

The Queens

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com/membership 23

JAZZ MUSIC SCIENCE LITERATURE Directors’ Picks LIVE Get more from your Membership with Directors’ Picks LIVE ✓ Meet the Festival Directors ✓ Discover their personal picks of the programme ✓ Meet other Members over a free welcome drink

“It really made me want to go to things that I’d otherwise have thought weren’t for us. A lovely evening.”

Audience member 2011 All events take place in central Cheltenham Jazz & Music 9 February Science 22 March

Tickets free but strictly limited. Reserve yours at cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks 24

Discover more with Membership Ticket discounts, priority booking and exclusive events. Join today from £15

25 26

£15 £15

£15

age 25 and under, full time students, registered unemployed and disabled

Concessionary

£20

Priority booking only

Associate

Associate Member

£35

£30

for one person

£55

£50

two people living at the same address

Joint

Full Member

Membership number (if known)

Individual

Renewing my Membership

£10

£15

£25

Total £

£

£57

£52

to two adults and four children, living at the same address

Family

First name

2.

3.

Surname Email

4.

to any tax reclaimed by Cheltenham Festivals. I will inform you should my tax status change.

Account number

Direct Debit

R

838953

Date

Signature

Website – cheltenhamfestivals.com

By Email

55 - 64

At the festivals

65+

Other

If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Cheltenham Festivals will notify you ten working

Directors’ Picks in the post

45 - 54

in the payment of your Direct Debit by Cheltenham Festivals or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not

Direct Debit Guarantee

Festival brochure

How did you hear about the Cheltenham Festivals Membership Scheme?

35 - 44

25 - 34

Under 25

No phone calls

No email

Leaving a legacy to Cheltenham Festivals

From Cheltenham Festivals and other organizations

From Cheltenham Festivals and other organizations

Are you:

From Cheltenham Festivals only

Phone

From Cheltenham Festivals and other organisations

More ways to support Cheltenham Festivals

From Cheltenham Festivals only

Please send me further information on:

From Cheltenham Festivals only Email

Through a friend

Please pay Cheltenham Festivals by Direct Debit from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Cheltenham Festivals and, if so, will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

As a Member, we will send you regular information by post about Cheltenham Festivals. Please indicate your preferences for further contact below: Post

ID

TE ON MOST RA CHOOSE WHEN YOUDE DIRECT BIT

SAVE £5S

Instructions to your bank or building society

Cheque (payable to CF Productions)

T

Terms and conditions apply: see cheltenhamfestivals.com for details. Your new Membership Card will be sent within ten working days.

If you have any queries regarding your Cheltenham Festivals Membership, please contact 01242 505444.

Some banks or building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of accounts.

Sort code

Name of account holder(s)

Name of your bank or building society

By Direct Debit

Cash (please do not send cash in the post)

I would like to pay by...

Company No 456573. VAT Registration No 100 1140 13. Charity No 251765.

Cheltenham Festivals Membership, Units 77/78 Regent Arcade Shopping Centre, High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1JZ, call 01242 505444 or visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/membership

Date

I would like Cheltenham Festivals to reclaim the tax on all qualifying subscriptions and donations made for the six years prior to this date and all further gifts I make

We would be very grateful if you would complete this gift aid declaration to enable Cheltenham Festivals to reclaim the tax, at no additional cost to you.

Please complete this form and send it to:

Signature(s)

1.

Child members’ names and dates of birth

Mobile

Title

For joint/family members

Please provide at least one telephone contact number for use in case of query. We will not contact you for any other reason without your permission. To receive latest membership news and special offers, please supply your email address.

Postcode Email

Mobile

Surname

Address

First name

other

Tel Day

Title

Membership details

Make your membership donation go further at no extra cost to you by completing the gift aid declaration.

Further donation

If you have a promotion or code, or have been referred by an existing Member, please enter it/their name and postcode here:

Paying by Direct Debit Paying by other payment method

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