Defending free
speech since 1815
From its small beginnings as a debating society, the Cambridge Union currently has over 70,000 life members worldwide. Now the oldest debating society in the world, and the largest student society in Cambridge, the Union remains a unique forum for the free exchange of ideas and the art of public debate. In the past the Society has hosted such great figures as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and the current Dalai Lama, and it continues to provide Cambridge students with the opportunity to meet and question the people that shape our world, and has grown into the central forum for student discussion in Cambridge.
Our public debates and guest speakers continue to generate passionate student engagement, and our university and school debating competitions remain the largest and most prestigious in the country.
The Union has a host of famous former students, debaters and officers. From John Maynard Keynes and Ken Clarke MP to Arianna Huffington and Clare Balding, some of the great figures of our time had a crucial part of their Cambridge experience at the Union, and the society continues to produce many exceptionally successful professionals and politicians.
What is a Debate
A debate is a formal argument between two or more opposing sides. Whilst most people only hear about debates when there’s an election, at The Cambridge Union we have been exercising the right to freedom of speech since 1815.
The Union has come a long way from its old fashioned origins as a private members’ club. With over half the student population of Cambridge holding life membership, the Society is now at the heart of the Cambridge experience. Debates and speaker events are held every Thursday at the Debate Chamber at The Cambridge Union – the Union is a hub of student activity in a University with no centralised Student Union building.
We currently host famous and interesting individuals from all over the world outside of our debates. These speakers range from politicians to Olympians and from business people to journalists. We host them for one purpose – so our members can meet them, question them, and challenge them on their views.
An Educational Charity
More than debating
The Union has come a long way from its old fashioned origins as a private members’ club where we are now have opportunities for the public to experience the life of a Cambridge student by watching the debates and guest speakers, as well dining in The Orator, newly refurbished union Bar and Restaurant (previously 1815 bar).
Hire event space, say ‘I do’ and get married in the historic chamber. Whatever you are looking for The Cambridge Union and The Orator can provide the perfect platform.
Education is at the heart of the Union’s charitable activities. The Cambridge Schools’ Debating Competition, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016, is the largest in the world with over 600 teams competing.
Behind the scenes
John Brown
Bursar
Joe Burman
General Manager
Sam Heap
Manager – The Orator
Meet the rest of our team
Hannah Goodger
Event Coordinator
Katherine Connelly
Sales & Marketing Executive
Justyna Macoch
Membership Secretary / Office Supervisor
Become a
member today.
Join Cambridge’s largest student society today for the opportunity to see world-class speakers and debaters as well as many other member benefits.
