Registration open for International Medieval Congress 2026
This year's Congress will explore how medieval people perceived, structured, and interacted with time
The University of Leeds’ International Medieval Congress (IMC) will return for its 33rd edition in July 2026, bringing together medievalists from across the globe for four days of academic discussion, public events, and demonstrations of medieval life.
As the world’s largest forum for medieval studies and a catalyst for new research collaborations and ideas, the IMC attracts participants from more than 60 countries and features thousands of academic papers alongside concerts, performances, excursions, and vibrant book and craft fairs. This year’s congress will run from Monday 6 July to Thursday 9 July and will once again offer both in-person and virtual participation.
The conference theme, Temporalities, will explore how medieval people perceived, structured, and interacted with time, considering their past, present, and future perspectives.
Organised by the University’s Institute for Medieval Studies, the IMC welcomes not only academics but also members of the public, who can enjoy a rich programme of medieval music, combat displays, falconry, craft activities, excursions, and public keynote lectures as part of the popular Making Leeds Medieval festival.
Highlights include:
- A conversation with bestselling historian Dan Jones as he reflects on the craft of being a public historian – from translating complex medieval scholarship for wide audiences to navigating the demands of writing, broadcasting, and public engagement
- A live recording of military history podcast Bow & Blade
- A collaborative and accessible workshop with vocal ensemble Siglo de Oro and Musical Lives on preparing medieval songs and poetry for performance
- A performance of Beowulf with Chris Vinsonhaler that will make you see an old story with new eyes
- A concert of medieval liturgical chant with Johanna Korhonen and Hilkka-Liisa Vuori.
The window for registration is now open. For more details on how to register, including ticket prices and deadlines, visit the registration page.
Staff and students within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures can register to attend the full IMC for free, and wider University colleagues can register at a reduced rate. To do so, email imc@leeds.ac.uk with the subject line ‘University of Leeds Staff Reduced Registration’. You do not need to register to attend free events or Making Leeds Medieval.
Dr Axel E. W. Müller, Director of the International Medieval Congress, said:
“We are delighted to welcome experts of all ages and visitors from around the world to the University of Leeds for a celebration and investigation of all things medieval. By examining the temporalities of the medieval world, this year’s International Medieval Congress will foster lively debate by international scholars about medieval people’s relation with time and the impact of this relation on our present-day agencies, mentalities, and global experiences of life.”
Since its founding in 1994, the IMC has played a central role in establishing Leeds as a global centre for medieval scholarship, building on a distinguished intellectual heritage that includes figures such as J. R. R. Tolkien, who specialised in Old Icelandic language and literature during his time at the University.
For queries or to request alternative formats of the IMC 2026 programme, please contact imc@leeds.ac.uk.
