The Festival of Debate is back and is expected to be the ‘most ambitious’ one ever. With more than 60 keynote talks and community events held across the city.
Launched by Opus in 2015, the political festival aims to encourage and inspire newer audiences in the world of politics.
The events will discuss our ever-changing society and focus on issues that affect us all, including climate breakdown, inequality and many more.
“We’re facing a series of intersecting crises in this country and in this city, from the cost-of-living crisis to the continuing effects of the pandemic. We’re really interested in finding systemic solutions to those problems, helping Sheffield and the wider world transition to a more sustainable and equitable future.” – Joe Kriss Festival Director.
This spring iconic venues such as The Leadmill, The Millennium Gallery and Showroom Workstation will present a variety of speakers.
Including journalists among the likes of Marianna Spring – who will be highlighting online harassment in her talk ‘Among the Trolls’.
Expert in public health Sir Michael Marmot – Health inequalities, will confront the effect inequality has on health in this country and what we can do to fix it.
A more creative approach will be available through the means of poetry. Acclaimed performance poet, Hollie McNish is set to perform her new collection ‘Lobster – and other things I’m learning to love’.
Talks are not just on the menu though, workshops and interactive sessions will also be available for debate lovers. Discussion’s will range from ‘Moving Towards Conscientious Consumption’ to ‘Food Waste: Whose Responsibility is it?’
Many events are free, with some low-priced tickets to help endorse involvement to new audiences in political conversations.
The Festival of Debates will be held around various venues throughout the city from 16th April – 25th May. See information and tickets here – https://festivalofdebate.com/
