2024 is a key moment in the history of the UK-France relationship; 120 years ago, the leaders of the United Kingdom and France signed the Entente Cordiale. Ever since, through the darkest days and hours and up to today, the two nations have stood shoulder to shoulder to defend their people and their values, working for peace in Europe and beyond. Now, it is the links between the people that are the beating heart of the UK-France relationship. The countries trade together, their people live in, study in and visit one another, and exchange knowledge and ideas thanks to writers, artists and scientists on both sides of the Channel.

As we celebrate 120 years of the Entente Cordiale, the School of Global Affairs together with the Alliance Française de Manchester are delighted to invite you to learn more about this historical event with an exhibition hosted in the Roundhouse from the 14th to the 25th of October. The exhibition retraces the history of the Entente Cordiale agreements of 1904 and their global repercussions. It was originally launched at the Institut français in London on 27 March 2024 by the French Ambassador Hélène Duchêne before being presented in smaller formats across the country. The whole exhibition is both in French and English (bien sûr!!!) to be accessible for all.

Alongside the exhibition being hosted at Lancaster University, there will be a special evening on Thursday 17th of October at 18.00 with a roundtable to discuss this event from several perspectives. The speakers will be:

Olga Gomez-Cash, Senior Teaching Fellow in the School of Global Affairs, Graduate of European Studies;

Gaynor Johnson, Professor of International History, Research Associate in the Centre for War and Diplomacy;

Martin Steven, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics, Philosophy & Religion, Academic Co-ordinator of the ‘Jean Monnet at Lancaster’ project.

The talk will take place in Bowland North Seminar room 2 and is open to all. You can also join the event online by registering via this link (free registration).

The exhibition is free to access for all members of the University and the public and will be on display at the Roundhouse from October 14th until October 25th.