Big Ideas: Science, Sport and Digital Life in Harrogate

November 14th 2024 at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate. Big ideas, great storytelling and lively conversation. The final Berwins Salon North of the year. A cracking line up of talks covering everything from the history of the penalty kick in football to how quantum physics affects our lives and how tech companies are quietly shaping our digital futures.

So if you ever wondered how these things connect or just want to hear some great stories this is a night not to be missed!

Hosted by writer and BBC Radio 4 broadcaster Kirran Shah. The evening is cabaret style. A bit like TED Talks but more relaxed, with time to chat, grab a drink and maybe even challenge the speakers on their ideas. The Harrogate International Festivals event was ranked 6th in GQ magazine’s “Top 100 Things to Do in the World” so this isn’t your average lecture.

The history of the penalty kick

For football fans it’s hard to imagine the game without the penalty kick. But where did this game changing rule come from? Writer Robert McCrum has a personal connection to this story – his great grandfather invented the penalty kick in the 1880s.

McCrum will explain how this one rule didn’t just add drama to the game; it also changed the way we think about fairness, rules and decision making in high pressure situations. Even if you’re not a sports fan McCrum’s exploration of this rule’s impact on culture and society will give you some food for thought.

How we got clicked: Data colonialism

Next up is Nick Couldry, a sociologist and professor at the London School of Economics, who will talk about a subject that affects nearly everyone but is rarely spoken about – our personal data.

The likes, clicks and comments we make online are being harvested by Big Tech. Couldry calls this “data colonialism” – a modern form of exploitation where tech giants claim ownership over our online actions, subtly influencing our behaviour and ultimately our choices. He’ll explore how we got here, the consequences and what we can do to get our digital lives back.

Physics in everyday life: How science explains breakups, bad decisions and everything in between

Third up is Zahaan Bharmal who will talk physics – but don’t worry it won’t be the kind of physics you hated at school. Bharmal’s talk is based on his upcoming book The Art of Physics. Why do relationships fall apart?

Harrogate in the world of ideas

Harrogate International Festivals (HIF) has been a cultural institution in the North since 1966, delivering hundreds of events every year. With its HIF+ outreach programme, the festival reaches out to young people and schools across the region to inspire a love of the arts and sciences. For Harrogate residents and visitors, Berwins Salon North is your chance to get up close to this magic, thanks to our local sponsor Berwins Solicitors.

Be prepared for a night of wonder

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, says this is the last Salon North of the year and “it’s a cracker”. Martin Whincup, Associate Director of Berwins Solicitors, has enjoyed supporting these great events all year.

If you’re interested, get your ticket (£18 + £2.50 booking fee) for November 14 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562303. Whether you love football, are fascinated by the digital world or just want to know a bit more about the physics of life, this evening will deliver big ideas in a relaxed and friendly way.