Alumni events

Beyond the Bale ~ RAU Lecture Series

Join us at the RAU to learn more about Forage Intelligence and Equine Nutritional Resilience for a Sustainable Future

The first event in our 2026 lecture series will take place on Wednesday 25 February 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 Beyond the Bale: Forage Intelligence and Equine Nutritional Resilience for a Sustainable Future, will be delivered Dr Simon Daniels - Associate Professor of Equine Science (RAU) and Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer - Professor of Equine Science (Hartpury University ).

Book now on Eventbrite here.

‘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 February, we are pleased to welcome Nick House of Plan 2 Expand as our guest speaker. As founder of Plan 2 Expand, a business writing service provider for small to medium-sized businesses, Nick will highlight how a well-crafted plan does more than just secure a bank loan or investor interest – it provides a clear vision for long-term stability.

His presentation will be followed by the opportunity for Q&A and then informal networking, as usual. 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 the guest speaker starting at 8.30 am.

‘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 Horses 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 Horses 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.