Introducing Festival RoyaleA Festival of Ideas, Skills and Opportunity
A Signature Event for Oxford Royale Students
Introducing the Festival Royale: an exclusive, one-day conference-style experience for Oxford Royale students in Oxford and Cambridge. From keynote talks to curated workshops, the programme is delivered by outstanding academic and industry experts. A signature event, available only to our students.
A Festival Designed to Elevate Your Future
The Oxford Royale Festival is built to deliver real, lasting value. Students will:
- Explore timely ideas with expert speakers
- Develop academic, professional and leadership skills
- Build confidence through an experience that strengthens independence and decision-making
- Connect with peers across Oxford Royale and expand their network
Curate Your Festival Day
Taking place on the Saturday of the middle weekend, the Festival is designed as a true conference experience, giving students the freedom to create a personalised timetable built around their interests and ambitions.
Throughout the day, students can:
- Move between sessions across the Festival streams
- Attend keynote-style talks, interactive workshops and panels
- Join for a full programme or drop into individual sessions (subject to supervision review)
It’s the ideal balance of structure and independence, with full support from the Oxford Royale team.
One day. Five streams. Endless possibility.
Students can choose from sessions across five streams — each designed to inspire, challenge and broaden horizons.
Inspiring Conversations
Keynote talks and panels exploring the ideas shaping the world today.
Your Future
Academic and career sessions that build confidence, direction and transferable skills.
Open OR (Try Something New)
Hands-on workshops that let students experience new Oxford Royale subject areas.
Leadership in Action
Leadership through sport: building teamwork, resilience, communication and decision-making in action.
Discover Oxford
Opportunities to discover and create lasting memories of Oxford.
Inspiring Conversations
Prepare to be inspired: whether you're interested in innovation, resilience, technology or the arts, our speakers have real world experience to share and open your mind to new perspectives.
Oxford: Guest Speaker Profiles
Al Sylvester MBE
The Power of Resilience: Lessons from Antarctica (Session 1, 2 & 3)
Al Sylvester, RAF Mountain Rescue Service Leader & Adventurer, is an outstanding inspirational speaker. He is renowned for his exceptional leadership and motivational skills that he has utilised while leading the Royal Air Force's first unsupported attempt on the South Pole and as a Team Leader within the RAF's Mountain Rescue Service where he was actively involved with over 400 operational rescues. He dynamically uses his in depth experience to provide stimulating presentations to help you stretch your thoughts on the comparative skills of team building, leadership styles and the mental resilience required to succeed in extreme hostile and arduous environments.
Cambridge: Guest Speaker Profiles
Bernie Hollywood OBE JP
What's The Big IDEA? (Session 1 & 2)
Bernie Hollywood OBE JP is a Liverpool-born extreme explorer, servant leader, and acclaimed third-sector advisor who has raised over £42 million ($50 million) for global charities. Honoured with an OBE by Her Late Majesty The Queen and appointed a Justice of the Peace by King Charles, Bernie's extraordinary feats include solo rowing 3,540 miles across the Atlantic at age 63, reaching both Geographic Poles, and setting a Guinness World Record for ultra-marathon running. A powerful storyteller who has spoken at the UN and TED Talks, he uses his global adventures to advocate for youth mental health and inspire others to turn big ideas into meaningful action
Your Future
Your future steps start here. Whether you're weighing up university choices, planning your career or simply looking to sharpen the skills that will set you apart, our expert-led workshops and talks give you the tools, confidence and clarity to move forward with purpose.
Oxford:
- Choosing Your Future Pathway
- Student Experience And Advice
- Mock University Entrance Interviews & Feedback (20 Mins)
- Study Skills: Revision, Note-taking & Academic Writing
- Networking Skills
- Communication & Presentation Skills
Cambridge:
- Choosing Your Future Pathway
- Student Experience & Advice
- Mock university entrance interviews & feedback (20 mins)
Open OR
Curious about a subject you've never tried before? Open OR invites you to step outside your comfort zone and explore the breadth of what Oxford Royale has to offer: hands-on sessions, unexpected topics and experiences you won't find anywhere else. Discover hidden talents, explore fresh ideas, and who knows, you might just find a new passion.
Oxford:
- Technology: AI Workshop: The Most Important Technology of Our Lifetime
- Business: Negotiation Skills & Selling Yourself
- Medicine: Medical Observation Skills/Diagnostic Equipment
- Social Media & Personal Branding
- Business: Sales Pitching Masterclass - Persuade, Influence, Close
Cambridge
- AI: The Most Important Technology of Our Lifetime
Leadership in Action
Get in the game: Through high-energy sports activities, this stream puts leadership into practice. Challenging you to communicate under pressure, make quick decisions, and bring out the best in those around you. Come ready to move, compete and grow.
Discover Oxford
This summer, Oxford is yours: From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Festival Royale is your chance to explore every corner of it. Connect with the city, create lasting memories, and carry a little piece of Oxford home with you.
