The programme of events is now live; come along to the biggest independent political festival in the UK.
Event | 21.03.23
2023's Festival of Debate programme is live and will take place online, and in person in Sheffield from 12 April - 26 May.
Founded in 2015 by Opus Independents, the Festival of Debate creates opportunities to bring people together to share new ideas and lived experience that can help shape our understanding of the world. It is the biggest independent political festival in the United Kingdom.
“We collaborate with a huge range of partner organisations - some local, some international. They include grassroots campaign groups, voluntary and community groups, universities and think tanks.
“The Festival of Debate programme is a reflection of these communities in South Yorkshire and broader movements for social change. The festival is strictly non partisan – it’s an open platform that encourages active citizenship and democratic engagement that anyone can contribute to. Our events are not just debates between people with opposing views. Our programme includes discussions, Q&As, artistic responses, keynote speeches, performances and plays that explore politics, economics and society.”
The Festival strands this year are focused on:
Citizen Network is delighted to be supporting the Festival of Debate—the first ever CitizenFest— and excited to be hosting several events during the festival:
15 April: Help Shape Sheffield's City Goals - Heeley
16 May: Tackling Poverty & Injustice - an online conversation with Varun Vidyarthi at Manavodaya
18 May: It's Our Community - join the Neighbourhood Democracy Movement and Citizen Network in Sheffield
22 May: Help Shape Sheffield's City Goal- Sharrow
Download the programme brochure (pdf) here
View the full calendar of events and book your tickets at: https://festivalofdebate.com/2023
