Alumni events

‘Inspire Me’ talk with Petscribers

Graduates of our Cotswold Catalyst incubator programme and The Growth Hub Cirencester members, Petscribers will share their exciting and disruptive entrepreneurial journey.

Founders Dr Angela Jones and Dr Emma Pemberthy will explain how they came to found the UK’s only tailor-made pet prescription platform and harnessed their industry knowledge and insight to disrupt an industry for the better, benefitting both vets and pet owners.

Book now on The Growth Hub Cirencester website here.

This event will take place at the Alliston Centre, RAU campus, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JR and is free of charge to attend.

'Croissants and Questions' business breakfast

Our monthly, informal networking event at the Alliston Centre – home of Farm491 and The Growth Hub Cirencester – ideal for those interested in strategic land management and the future of food and farming.

In March, ahead of informal networking, we are pleased to return to a ‘Speakers’ Corner’ format for this month. This means we will be handing the mic over to you!

You will again receive an extended opportunity to introduce yourself, your organisation and research or agricultural passion.

There is no requirement for you to speak if you do not wish to, but we encourage you to speak for up to 5-minutes, with the view of sparking even more beneficial networking and opportunities for collaboration within the room.

Fresh pastries and refreshment will be served.

Book now on the Farm491 website here.

This event will take place at the Alliston Centre, RAU campus, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JR and is free of charge to attend.

Arrival and refreshments are from 8.00 am, with 'Speakers' Corner' starting at 8.30 am.

Inside the Horse's Mind ~ RAU Lecture Series

Join us for a free lecture using fresh brain tissue in our new laboratory to help us explore how the horse's brain generates pleasure and responds to stress.

The second event in our 2026 lecture series will take place on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 from 6pm (doors open at 6pm with the lecture starting at 6.30pm) to 8pm in LL23 the new Land Laboratories at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

The lecture, entitled Inside the Horse's Mind: Brain Dissection Demonstration, will be delivered Dr Andrew Hemmings, Associate Professor of Equine Research Leadership at the RAU.

Book now on Eventbrite here.

Join us for Farm Fest

A brand new national festival celebrating the livelihoods, skills and produce of Britain’s farmers. Starring Jeremy Clarkson, Lisa Hogan, Kaleb Cooper, Charlie Ireland, Adam Henson, Matt Tebbutt, and dozens of farmers, musicians, chefs and artisans.

We are working alongside the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, and the Farmer’s Guardian. The event will take place at The National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh, the former home of the Royal Show.

The Great British Farm-Fest will be set across 300 acres of entertainment and agricultural talent. By day - the show will consist of 12 major festival fields. By night - as the day draws to a close and the animals go to bed, the All-Star Festival Parade will wind its way through the showground leading visitors to the Hawkstone Music Arena for 4 hours of bands, DJs, and special star guests.

Farming for a Resilient Future ~ RAU Lecture Series

Join us for a free lecture examining the importance of farming for a resilient future and how farmers, science, and policy can shape tomorrow's food system.

The third event in our 2026 lecture series will take place on Wednesday 23 September 2026 from 6pm (doors open at 6pm with the lecture starting at 6.30pm) to 8pm in the Boutflour Hall at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

The lecture, entitled Farming for a resilient future – How Farmers, Science, and Policy Can Shape Tomorrow’s Food System, will be delivered Dr Karen Rial Lovera, Co-Dean for Agricultural Science & Practice (ASP), Associate Professor in Agriculture, and Head of International Partnerships at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and will consider practical pathways that lead to a stronger, fairer and more resilient agrifood system.

Book now on Eventbrite here.

Sustainable Soil Management ~ RAU Lecture Series

Join us for a free lecture examining the importance of sustainable soil management, addressing key issues such as soil health, soil pollution, and its implications for food safety.

The fourth event in our 2026 lecture series will take place on Wednesday 14 October 2026 from 6pm (doors open at 6pm with the lecture starting at 6.30pm) to 8pm in the Boutflour Hall at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

The lecture, entitled Sustainable soil management: Essential for delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals, will be delivered Dr David O'Connor, Associate Professor of Sustainable Land Management at the RAU, and Dr Bruce Lascelles, President Elect of the International Union of Soil Sciences and Director of Sustainable Land Management at Arcadis UK.

The lecture will examine the importance of sustainable soil management, addressing key issues such as soil health, soil pollution and its implications for food safety, and the opportunities and limitations of soil carbon sequestration.

Book now on Eventbrite here.