Living meaningfully in our hectic modern world

Berwins Salon North makes a welcome return in 2025 starting on February 13 when three special guests explore the idea of ‘Living Meaningfully’, shedding light on how we can embrace the realities of the modern world to live a better life.

Pic Credit: Mike Whorley

Author and journalist Oliver Burkeman offers a guiding philosophy of life that he calls ‘imperfectionism’. He is joined by renowned beauty tech expert and artist Dr Alex Box who will redefine creativity in make-up, beauty and identity, along with Professor Louise Mullany who will explore how the unseen science of politeness governs everything we do.

Sponsored by Berwins Solicitors, Salon was voted number six in the ‘Top 100 Things to do in the World’ by GQ magazine. Magic FM’s bookworm Natasha Knight brings together three guest speakers, each delivering 25-minute talks on fascinating topics, in a relaxed cabaret-style setting, ideal for catching up with friends and stocking up on dinner party conversation starters.

Oliver Burkeman, author of Meditations for Mortals: Four weeks to embrace your limitations and make time for what counts, explores how in these often anxiety-inducing times we can enjoy a more meaningful life, not by fantasising about an ideal existence but by embracing the world we live in and finding solace and inspiration in it.

As a pioneer of Beauty Futurism, Dr Alex Box unpacks modern concepts of beauty, identity, and technology in her art, pushing back the boundaries and inspiring others to do the same. Box has helped shape cutting-edge art and fashion magazine King Kong, and collaborated with the world’s leading designers, musicians and tech developers, including Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Lady Gaga and Google.

For years, Professor Louise Mullany – author of Polite: The Art of Communication at Home, at Work and in Public, has been examining how politeness rules our day-to-day lives – whether it’s speaking to colleagues about issues at work, dealing with difficult family members or wondering if you should eat the last piece of pie. Prof Mullany will show how a better understanding of the rules and norms of politeness can help us in all aspects of our work, leisure and home lives.

Associate Director of Berwins Solicitors, Martin Whincup, said: “We are proud to be associated with the brilliant Salon North talks that bring together such a diverse array of talented special guests to our town.

“It’s great to see a new season get underway and we look forward to many more memorable evenings.”

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Berwins Salon North for what promises to be another fantastic season of inspiring speakers and lively, thought-provoking talks.

“These hugely popular Salon events have become Harrogate’s go-to night out for the post-clubbing generation, a fun and exciting way to learn something new about the world around us.

“Once again, I would like to thank our headline sponsor, Berwins Solicitors, for their continued support in enhancing Harrogate’s reputation as a dynamic northern hub for arts and culture. Without them these wonderful events simply wouldn’t be possible.”

Berwins Salon North, The Crown Hotel, Harrogate. Thursday, February 13, 7.30pm. Tickets: £18 (please note that a £2.50 booking fee applies at the time of booking). Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website Home - Harrogate International Festivals or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303.