learn, laugh, live

u3a Online Talks & Events

u3a members can access a wide range of free online talks, workshops, and courses through their membership. Most sessions are led by fellow members, sharing their expertise, with additional talks from notable speakers and organisations.

All events are bookable via Eventbrite. Please ensure you can attend when booking and cancel if you’re unable to make it so others can participate. Events are exclusively for u3a members. Online events are hosted on Zoom and national u3a has some 'How to Guides' for using Zoom if you are unfamiliar with the platform.

You can see the full range of events here: https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/educational-events#Events. You can also subscribe to receive an email each month notifying you of what's coming up. There are regular monthly events such as Laughter Yoga with Maggie and Mindfulness and Meditation. Here is a selection of some of the others on offer in the coming weeks (click on the link to go to the booking page - note that this will open in a separate tab):

JUNE 2026

Flight Inspirations Aviation Group: June
From fragile early aircraft to powerful WWII bombers, explore how aerial warfare—and the bombs themselves—evolved in just three decades.
Tuesday, June 2  •  10 AM - 12 PM

FoodTech: the technology involved in food processing and food service
John Butler from the u3a Let's Talk Tech team explores the modern technologies taking our food from farm to table.
Wednesday, June 3  •  1 PM - 2:30 PM

Making the most of artificial intelligence (AI)
Join AbilityNet, in partnership with BT Group, for a friendly session designed to help older people build confidence online.
Tuesday, June 9  •  2 PM - 3:30 PM

Learn bridge online with u3a
Discover the joy of playing Bridge in this introduction to the game, and find out how to play online, with u3a Bridge Adviser, Steve Carter.
Wednesday, June 10  •  10 AM - 11:15 AM

An ABC of Victorian painting
Simon Evers explores three Victorian painters—from famous to forgotten—and a surprising discovery that transformed oil painting forever.
Thursday, June 11  •  2 PM - 4 PM

Achieving lasting happiness and joy in today’s busy world
Discover how happiness and “joyspan” can help us age well, thrive, and lead more fulfilled, connected lives
Thursday 11 June  •  2 PM - 3 PM 

Lost and Found: Recent discoveries by Film is Fabulous!
Professor Justin Smith talks about the work of Film is Fabulous! An initiative to preserve vulnerable film treasures for future generations
Friday, June 12  •  10 AM - 11 AM

Of Mice and Men: how experience shapes the ageing brain
Professor Sarah King tours us through her research into how experience influences brain development and ways of keeping our brains healthy.
Tuesday, June 16  •  11 AM - 12:15 PM

Making images from echoes
David Martin from the u3a Let's Talk Tech team traces the history of echolocation systems and explains how medical ultrasound is used today.
Wednesday, June 17  •  1 PM - 2:30 

A history of Britain's roads: why we should feel proud
Discover the surprising stories behind Britain’s roads, from radical legislation to quirky inventors, with Diana Laffin.
Friday, June 19  •  10 AM - 11 AM

One small triangle to a man, one giant leap for mankind
Explore the phenomenon known as Pascal’s Triangle and follow the number trail contained in it to look at Art, Music, Botany and brackets.
Friday, June 19  •  2 PM - 3 PM

Secrets of the Human Brain: A tour of the brain
Bob Pullen explores how the brain works, from nerve signals to thinking styles, with interactive insights into how we think and behave.
Monday, June 22  •  2 PM - 4 PM

Wessex versus the Vikings
A deeper dive into England’s history – with Charles Boundy
Thursday, June 25  •  2 PM - 3:30 PM

Islands of the Venetian Lagoon
This engaging talk with pictures will guide you around twelve islands that can each be reached by public transport (vaporetto, or water bus)
Friday, June 26  •  2 PM - 3 PM

The role of wind energy in the UK's electricity system
Join Chris Vogel to discuss the UK’s wind resource and the engineering involved as wind energy’s growing importance to UK’s electricity mix.
Tuesday, June 30  •  11 AM - 12:15 PM

JULY 2026: u3a FESTIVAL FRINGE IN YORK

The technology built into modern cars and trucks
John Butler from the u3a Let's Talk Tech team explores the technologies of modern vehicles, live from the u3a Festival in York.
Wednesday, July 1  •  11:30 AM - 1 PM 

Mrs. Charles Dickens tells her story
A powerful reimagining of Catherine Dickens’ silenced voice, revealing love, betrayal, and truth behind Charles Dickens’ marriage.
Thursday, July 2  •  2 PM - 3:30 PM

Watercolours with Tony
Join Tony Burke, who runs watercolour classes with Huddersfield u3a, for this interactive painting sessions.
Monday, July 6  •  10 AM - 11:15 AM

The history of shoes
Robin Taylor takes us on a journey of shoes, from historical styles to modern trends, sharing insights from his career as a shoe designer.
Wednesday, July 8  •  2 PM - 3 PM

Fusion Tai Qi Gong
Discover calm, balance and wellbeing with Gordon’s gentle Fusion tai chi & qi gong taster session on Zoom.
Thursday, July 9  •  10 AM - 11 AM

Artemisia- Vengeance or Vision?
Join us for a presentation where we delve into the groundbreaking artistry of one of history's most amazing female painters.
Thursday, July 9  •  2 PM - 3 PM

The Role of Women in Ancient Egypt
Join Neil Stevenson, Subject Adviser for Egyptology, to explore the status of women in the Ancient Egypt.
Friday, July 10  •  2 PM - 3 PM 

Last updated 1 June 2026