Essex University is opening its doors to all this weekend to launch its 50th anniversary celebrations.

There will be something for everyone at the Homecoming event on Saturday September 13, from bite-sized lectures and interactive games inspired by Essex’s internationally-acclaimed research, to comedy for children and art workshops.

A carnival atmosphere will dominate in the Squares of the Wivenhoe campus as music, theatre and dance abound.

Other highlights on the day include interactive storytelling and an illustration workshop with acclaimed children’s author and creator of Zoe and Beans Chloe Inkpen, plus a special guest appearance by Mick Inkpen, creator of Kipper and Wibbly Pig.

Families can take part in the Lost Laws of Livy adventure trail around the campus, based on Colchester’s Roman past.

The day is also an opportunity for people to find out why Essex University is in the top ten for research and a whole host of academics will be on hand with answers to some of life’s big questions. People can also find out more about the institution’s history, and see six themed student bedrooms each decorated as they would have looked in a different decade.

A series of more than 30 free bite-sized lectures will cover everything from how to feed the world when the global population hits nine billion, to what exactly is big data.

Children will also have the chance to experience what it’s like to graduate.

All the activities are free and open to the public. Some activities can be booked in advance online, but you can just turn up on the day.

See the full Homecoming programme online.