North Korea: The Perennial Crisis State

What does North Korea want? The Head of the Asia Programme at Chatham House talks about the developing crisis surrounding the government rhetoric and the military activities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The brilliant Ross and Christopher explore the wonder of science as a way to explain some of the mysteries of the world in their books, Time Travelling with a Hamster and The Many Worlds of Albie Bright.

Join the acclaimed historian as she vividly tells the story of the childhood of Queen Victoria, growing up hidden from public view. There will be stories, facts, and even the chance to become part of history by joining in a living timeline complete with props.

The designer Alex Lifschutz and Foyles Trading Director Siôn Hamilton will tell the inside story of a plan hatched in the book trade’s darkest hour to reimagine the iconic London bookshop on Charing Cross Road. Siôn and Alex opened their doors to the publishing industry, holding a series of workshops that provided the insight to inspire an innovative shop design that has caught the imagination of book lovers across the world. Chaired by the editor of The Bookseller.

The Magnum photographer took one of the most powerful photographs of the twentieth century - the “tank man” in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, 1989. From his insightful position as a photographer, Franklin explores why we are driven to visually document our experiences and the world around us. He focuses on photography but traces this universal need through art, literature and science. Looking at photojournalism, war photography and work recording our culture, Franklin identifies some of its driving impulses: curiosity, outrage, reform and ritual; the search for evidence, for beauty, for therapy; and the immortalisation of memory. Chaired by Oliver Bullough.

Bonehead, the dino-kid lookout, raises so many false alarms that when the scary Gigantosaurus really appears, his friends may not believe him… High-energy fun from the exuberant Jonny Duddle.
4+ years

Bullmore reveals the breakthrough new science on the link between depression and inflammation of the body and brain. He explains how and why we now know that mental disorders can have their root cause in the immune system, and outlines a future revolution in which treatments could be specifically targeted to break the vicious cycle of stress, inflammation and depression. The Inflamed Mind goes far beyond the clinic and the lab, representing a whole new way of looking at how mind, brain and body all work together in a sometimes-misguided effort to help us survive in a hostile world. Bullmore is currently Co-Chair of Cambridge Neuroscience, Scientific Director of the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, and Head of the Department of Psychiatry.

Discover the future of screen technology with computer scientist Matt Jones. His team at Swansea University is exploring displays that mutate to create textures and change shape to reveal controls like dials and switches depending on our needs. See some of the early prototypes that are enhancing our digital interactions with the physical world.

Melvin Burgess talks to Anthony McGowan about the unusual genesis of The Hit, Melvin’s new book – a tense and violent thriller based on a very interesting premise.

12+ years

The first of four events this afternoon and evening that celebrate the vibrant cultural exchange between Wales and India. The poets relate and perform their experience of the India Wales project 2017, Valley City Village: with words and pictures introduced by Gary Raymond.

One of America’s most powerful and feared gangsters is about to face up to his past… On a rare public appearance in Britain, the cult thriller writer of The Wire, author of Gone, Baby, Gone and Mystic River discusses his work and his new novel.