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Silver IMC sees record numbers

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This year’s 25th International Medieval Congress (IMC) welcomed 2,907 delegates to the city of Leeds, as part of the biggest Congress to date. There was a range of activity taking place to thank the IMC community for their support over the past quarter of a century. With special activity on campus, this silver milestone was marked in style.

Re-enactors at Making Leeds Medieval.
Here Be Dragons by Headstrung Puppet Theatre, at the International Medieval Congress at University of Leeds 2018.

Throughout the Congress, delegates had the opportunity to explore the history of the IMC through a photo-exhibition in the Marquee. Charting the Congress from its inception, the exhibition showed how we have grown since the first Congress’s 859 delegates in 1994. Some delegates were delighted to see themselves in the images!

The 25th Anniversary photo-exhibition in the Marquee.

The 25th Anniversary photo-exhibition in the Marquee.

As part of the exhibition, delegates were encouraged to share their favourite Congress memories.

Some of the memories cards from the IMC.
Some of the memories cards from the IMC.
Some of the memories cards from the IMC.

The highlight of the anniversary celebrations was the reception. On Wednesday, the Congress was delighted to host the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds on campus, along with staff, students, and delegates. The crowds were entertained by musicians, re-enactors, and entertainers while toasting the past, present, and future of the IMC. During the reception, the Congress thanked the delegates who have attended every year, as well as founding, former, and current staff.

Celebrations at the IMC Anniversary reception.
Celebrations at the IMC Anniversary reception.
Celebrations at the IMC Anniversary reception.
Axel Müller, Director of the IMC, is joined by some of the delegates who have attended every IMC to thank them for their support.

Axel Müller, Director of the IMC, is joined by some of the delegates who have attended every IMC to thank them for their support.

With a record number of over 750 sessions taking place, the enthusiasm around the IMC continues to grow. Axel Müller, Director of the IMC, said, “This year, the International Medieval Congress has grown even further. From its inception, we have aimed for an inclusive atmosphere, designed to support the best research in Medieval Studies across the world. We hope that the next 25 years are as exciting and productive.”