Talks of the town

Drugs and the nervous system Evidence now supports the theory that the long-term effects of ecstasy and other recreational drugs are catastrophic. Whether this is scientifically provable is debated by Colin Blakemore, director of the Oxford Centre For Cognitive Neuroscience, chairman of the British Association For The Advancement Of Science, and president of the Physiological Society with Les Iversen, author of The Science Of Marijuana.

English Heritage Dr Simon Thurley, chief exec at English Heritage, the man responsible for revitalising the Museum Of London and author of books on Hampton Court and Whitehall, gives this talk about England's heritage and Englishness.

Tony Ross One of the greatest pleasures of parenting is being able to read childrens' books by people such as Tony Ross, who is both an illustrator and author of the first rank. His characters such as the Little Princess are appealingly rude and funny and his loose style of drawing heroes like Horrid Henry and Sir Gaddabout, more than a little caricaturish, delight old and young both. Ross talks to Nicolette Jones, reviewer of childrens' books for the Sunday Times.

What is Satire For?

Is political satire better when not purely cynical or gratuitously spiteful, or should it be inspired by some loftier purpose? Speakers include Edwina Currie and Martin Rowson, who believes that satire is about afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted. Chaired by Johnny Grimond, writer at large, The Economist.