ClassicsFest 2025: Why Cicero Matters
A Three-Day Festival Exploring the Timeless Relevance of Cicero
Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 May 2025
ClassicsFest 2025: Why Cicero Matters
A collaboration between the Lit & Phil and the School of History, Classics & Archaeology at Newcastle University
The Lit & Phil in Newcastle upon Tyne, in collaboration with Newcastle University’s School of History, Classics and Archaeology, is proud to present ClassicsFest 2025: Why Cicero Matters, a festival dedicated to the enduring relevance of Roman public speaker and lawyer Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC). From Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 May 2025, this exciting three-day event will feature discussions, performances, and interactive sessions designed to make classical ideas accessible to all.
Inspired by Dr. Vittorio Bufacchi’s book Why Cicero Matters (Bloomsbury, 2023), ClassicsFest 2025 will examine Cicero’s thoughts on politics, power, and corruption, using them as a lens to explore contemporary issues. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from renowned academics, writers, and performers, all bringing Cicero’s legacy to life in new and thought-provoking ways.
As Cinzia Hardy, producer of ClassicsFest, explains: “At ClassicsFest, we believe the ancient world belongs to everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong classics enthusiast or completely new to the subject, this festival makes Cicero’s ideas relevant and engaging. His words on power, corruption, and democracy still resonate today, and through discussion, performance, and debate, we invite people to explore why his legacy matters. Join us this May to discover how Cicero’s words still shape our world.”
A key festival highlight is a discussion with Dr Vittorio Bufacchi, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at University College Cork, and Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE, Professor of Classics Education and Public Policy at Durham University. Together, they will explore Cicero’s ongoing relevance today, with contributions from young writers.
The festival will also feature a dramatic performance and panel discussion on political corruption, examining Cicero’s famous prosecution of Roman Magistrate Gaius Verres. Accused of judicial corruption, tax fraud, and spreading fake news while serving as governor of Sicily, this historical case will be explored in parallel with modern-day scandals.
Audiences can also enjoy a staged reading of selected scenes from Mike Poulton’s adaption of Robert Harris’ Imperium, which explores themes of justice, ambition and power. A panel discussion chaired by Baroness Joyce Quin, will follow, featuring guests including Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West, and Dr Kathryn Tempest, Lecturer in Roman History at University of Leicester.
For those interested in the impact of social media, Dr Vittorio Bufacchi will examine how platforms like Facebook and Twitter have altered our understanding of friendship - and not for the better.
The festival will culminate at Alphabetti Theatre, where the audience will select the winners of the ClassicsFest 2025 Competition. Writers are invited to craft a persuasive speech (1,000 - 1,500 words) inspired by Cicero and addressing a contemporary issue that is important to them. A panel will shortlist up to eight of the best submissions, which will be performed (either by the writer or an actor) before a live audience on Saturday 17 May at 2pm. Two winners will be chosen, each receiving a £300 cash prize.
Later that evening, at 6pm, ClassicsFest 2025 will officially conclude at the Lit & Phil with an audience discussion. This final event will offer attendees a chance to debate the ideas presented throughout the festival with key contributors.
Kay Easson, Chief Librarian at the Lit & Phil, commented: "We are delighted to present ClassicsFest for a second year, continuing our mission to bring the ancient world to modern audiences through fresh and engaging themes. This year’s festival is also part of our year-long programme celebrating the bicentenary of the opening of the Lit & Phil’s permanent home in 1825, highlighting our rich history as a centre for learning and debate."
Throughout May, in the lead-up to the festival, the Lit & Phil will host a series of satellite lectures covering topics such as classics in schools, understanding Hadrian’s Wall, and disease in antiquity. Visitors can also explore the Ancient Worlds in Book Art exhibition, curated by students from Newcastle University’s School of History, Classics & Archaeology.
Most events at ClassicsFest 2025 are free and will take place at the Lit & Phil. Some ticketed events carry a small charge, with free entry available for students and those on unemployment benefits.
ClassicsFest 2025 has been made possible using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland – Newcastle Investment Fund, Classics for All, The David Family Foundation, The Pen & Palette Club Fund within the North East Fund for the Arts, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Newcastle University.
Tickets for ClassicFest Satellite Lectures are available to book now. Events taking place from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 May will be available to book from Tuesday 1 April 2025. Book online at www.litandphil.org.uk/classicsfest-2025 or contact the Lit & Phil on (0191) 232 0192. Tickets for the ClassicsFest Competition Finale at Alphabetti Theatre can be booked separately at www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk
