Welcome to The Cambridge Union: the oldest free speech society in the world.
A unique institution at the heart of Cambridge University, the Union has hosted some of the greatest leaders, thinkers, and change-makers of our times, cultivating free discussion on today’s most important global issues. Founded in 1815, The Union is the largest student society at the University of Cambridge, and has over 37,000 members worldwide.
Our Membership Community gain exclusive access to our debates, events, interviews and socials, but the Union’s facilities are open to the wider public. This includes our on-site Brasserie and Bar – The Orator – and the opportunity to hire our building for corporate and private functions.
Coming up...
Don’t pretend that this world is equal – it’s not. The question is: What are you going to do about it?
– Dame Emma Thompson, Union Speaker 2017
Life Membership Autumn Discount: Limited Time Only.
Join Cambridge’s largest student society today at a discounted rate for the opportunity to see world-class speakers, debates, and benefit from member’s treats.
Our Mission
The Union is an educational charity committed to promoting innovative conversation. We’ve been unflinchingly independent since 1817, and its our mission to dive into challenging conversations and to moderate free public discourse for the benefit of society. Our world famous Debating Chamber is where tradition meets modernity; where today’s young people become tomorrow’s public servants, scientists, educators, leaders, creators and entrepreneurs. Our weekly debates – and all our other events – prioritise logical discourse and the freedom to criticise, offering relief from the spurious nature of the digital world and letting our students take centre stage.
Our Restaurant: The Orator
Join us for hearty cooking and classic drinks in our stunning bar and restaurant, The Orator. Whether you’re looking for a signature cocktail, a light bite, or a larger meal, our expert team is here to help.
Looking for a venue?
Did you know that you can hire The Cambridge Union for a conference, wedding, private dinner, or multi-day event? Our stunning Grade-II listed clubhouse is available for private hire for a variety of occasions, which includes full Audio-Visual Facilities, Breakout Rooms, decorative services, and on-site catering courtesy of The Orator Brasserie and Bar.
Our Sponsors
The Cambridge Union offers a range of sponsorship opportunities to our corporate and private partners. Please get in touch with us directly find out more.
Our History
For over 200 years, The Union has been a hotbed of conversation about current affairs. Beginning in a pub in Cambridge in 1815, the Union’s debating culture has expanded worldwide.
From Big Tech to arts and culture, The Union takes an interest in all topical discussion, seeking to provide the most stimulating and critical space possible for the birth of new ideas. We’ve worked with the likes of NVIDIA, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, IBM, The Adam Smith Institute, Accenture UK, and a range of politicians and public servants from around the world to foster innovative thinking on the most pertinent issues of the day.
Our public debates and guest speakers continue to generate passionate student engagement, and our university and school debating competitions remain amongst the largest and most prestigious in the world, operating in over 16 countries.
Become a Member today.
Join our historic members club and walk in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest minds.
