About

Malvern Festival of Ideas is a multidisciplinary festival of ideas that takes place in the beautiful location of Malvern, Worcestershire. It is (mainly) a single-tracked series of talks, discussion and activities on a theme that takes place over a weekend at the beginning of March. Opportunities are provided for participants to follow up their own interests within the overall theme.

In 2026, we plan to explore the theme of Social Change. Our voices can drive progress: join us in shaping the conversations that will define the future. We will be exploring factors and causes and asking questions such as: How can we ensure equal opportunities and rights for all, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status? How do advancements in AI and automation affect jobs, privacy, and societal structures? How can we bridge the gap between wealthier and poorer nations, especially in access to education, healthcare, and resources? Who benefits from the Culture War

There are two programmes: The Social Change Programme of talks and discusssions, familiar to many past Festival-goers, and the Family Programme, aimed at a family and young people audience, but open to anyone. Plan your weekend by selecting from either, or both, programmes. 

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Based on data from the 2023 festival.

sponsors

Sponsors will be announced soon

Meet the team

Headshot photo of John Gill
John Gill
Chair, Steering Group
Read more about John Gill
Headshot photo of Andrew Webb
Andrew Webb
Steering Group
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Headshot photo of Mark Hutchinson
Mark Hutchinson
Steering Group
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Headshot photo of Miriam Webb
Miriam Webb
Steering Group
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Headshot photo of Sian Evans
Siân Evans
Programme Planning and Festival Delivery
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Headshot photo of Laura Davies
Laura Davies
Programme Planning and Festival Delivery
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Jacqui Molloy
Programme Planning and Festival Office
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Headshot photo of Dylan Cochrane
Dylan Cochrane
Video and Photography Production
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Pip Pratty
Education Programme
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Headshot photo of Rosemary Webb
Rosemary Webb
Education Programme
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Headshot photo of Martin Worster
Martin Worster
Funding and Sponsorship
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Rosa
Social Media
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Kate Macdonald
Press Officer
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Ben Jones
Compliance
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Eve Schofield
Funding
Read more about Eve Schofield

Past events

Interested in what we do?

Find out how you can get involved with the Malvern Festival of Ideas.