Bristol speakers set to shape the conversation at Big Tent Ideas Festival

Bristol speakers set to shape the conversation at Big Tent Ideas Festival

Posted on: 07 Jun 2022

Join in the conversation this weekend with a selection of politicians, businesspeople and cultural leaders.

 

Bristol will be hosting its first Big Tent Ideas Festival this weekend, combining political debate with art, entrepreneurship and more as part of an all-day event on Saturday 11 June.

 

Taking place on Queen Square, the festival will showcase a forward-thinking lineup of hosts and guest speakers, including government ministers, members of the shadow cabinet, UN representatives, social media executives and charity leaders.

 

The festival programme also features heavy input from Bristol-based speakers, with Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, MP for Bristol West Thangam Debbonaire and Bristol Youth Mayor Anika Mistry among those set to appear.

 

 

Rees will take the stage with journalist and writer David Goodhart to discuss the finer details of cancel culture, while Thangam Debbonaire will be joined by fellow Shadow Cabinet MP Anneliese Dodds for a conversation on equality and diversity.

 

Elsewhere, local speakers will be taking part in discussions on engaging citizens in democracy and improving political discourse, net-zero transport targets, addressing the UK's housing crisis, issues surrounding new media, and more.

 

Bristol's Trinity Centre will also be leading a talk on culture as a driver for change in Bristol, with the venue's CEO Emma Harvey and Heritage & Engagement Curator Edson Burton set to take part.

 

A full breakdown of the festival's programme, including timings and information on individual speakers, can be found on the Big Tent Ideas website. 

 

 

Organised to catalyse and curate new conversations around real, transformational and lasting renewal and regeneration, the Big Tent movement is dedicated to making a difference. 

 

At its core, the project aims to take an active role in new conversations and shine a light on the approaches and leaders required to refresh our political discourse.

 

Speaking ahead of this weekend's festival launch, Big Tent Chief Executive, Ben Rich, said:

 

“The timing for Big Tent to come to Bristol couldn’t be better. Britain faces some huge choices over the next couple of years, on the cost of living, Ukraine, the Covid fallout and so on.

 

“The idea that a handful of politicians in Westminster have all the answers is laughable, so Big Tent ensures everyone has a platform to begin to address these massive issues, as well as challenging our current and, maybe, some future leaders.”

 

A comprehensive programme for Bristol's Big Tent Ideas Festival, taking place this Saturday 11 June, can be found here.

 

Tickets for the festival are still available in limited numbers. Find out more and get yours here, or find Big Tent Ideas Festival on Twitter to follow news and updates.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.