Thousands of people are expected to take part in global celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of Cambridge University.

A specially-commissioned light show charting the university's history will start the celebrations later.

Church bell-ringers around the world will also simultaneously play a new piece composed for the occasion.

The university, which has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution, has organised a number of events throughout the year to mark the anniversary...

Cambridge now plays host to 18,000 students and has an annual turnover of almost £1bn...

The light show which will be projected on to the Senate House and Old Schools has been produced by artist Ross Ashton and contains images of iconic moments and illustrations by Downing College alumnus and former Children's Laureate Quentin Blake...

Four churches in central Cambridge - Great St Mary's, St Bene't's, St Edward King and Martyr and St Andrew the Great, will take part in the mass bell-ringing and perform a piece by Clare College alumnus Phil Earis...

Other events include a Charles Darwin festival and a science festival.

A Festival of Ideas is planned for October, while a closing ceremony will be held the following month.