A series of TED-style talks returns to Harrogate next month, with three special guests discussing everything from AI to maritime adventures.

The Berwins Salon North series- at the Crown Hotel on Thursday September 12 at 7.30pm- will feature business boss and civil servant Suzanne Heywood, who travelled the world with her parents as a child.

Suzanne joins science writer Philip Ball, whose most recent book, How Life Works, uncovers the mysteries of genome biology, and children’s author Andy Stanton, as they discuss extraordinary journeys and cutting-edge explorations in science and technology.

Sponsored by Berwins Solicitors, the TED-style talks deliver big ideas in an intimate setting, based around relaxed, cabaret-style evenings where you can catch up with friends and enjoy a drink at the bar.

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Suzanne Heywood, who was awarded a CBE earlier this year for services to business leadership, was just seven when she set sail with her parents and brother on a three-year voyage around the world. Three years turned into almost a decade of sailing through storms, reefs, and dealing with isolation.

After returning home, Suzanne studied at Oxford University and went on to work in the Treasury. She is now the chief operating officer of Exor, one of the largest holding companies in Europe, and will discuss her remarkable life.

Writer and broadcaster Philip Ball was an editor at the international science journal Nature for more than 20 years and is a presenter of the BBC Radio 4 series Science Stories. He is a trained chemist and physicist and his most recent book, How Life Works, takes readers on a journey into the realm of life sciences that reshapes our understanding of life as we know it.

They will be joined by bestselling writer Andy Stanton, author of Benny the Blue Whale: A Descent into Story, Language and the Madness of ChatGPT. Using his storytelling skills and trademark wit he reflects on writing, communication and modern technology in his talk on Chat GPT.

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said: “Berwins Salon North always gets us talking and thinking about the world around us in a fun, relaxed and engaging manner.

“This month’s subjects range from adventure and AI communication to quite literally how life works – all of which should make for another wonderful evening.”

Associate Director of Berwins Solicitors, Martin Whincup, said: “Every Salon North event is a special occasion and once again it has come up trumps with this latest trio of fantastic special guests.

“The Salon series is one of the highlights on Harrogate’s cultural calendar and we are delighted to support these inspiring, thought-provoking evenings.”

Tickets are £18 (please note that a £2.50 booking fee applies at the time of booking) and are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website Home - Harrogate International Festivals or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303.