2026

Social Change

Summary

Sparking Ideas, Igniting Action

At our 2026 event, we invite thought leaders, creatives, and changemakers to join us for the Malvern Festival of Ideas on Social Change. This is an opportunity to share insights, challenge perspectives, and inspire action in a setting designed for meaningful exchange. Whether through the lens of activism, literature, technology, or community building, your voice can drive progress. Join us in shaping the conversations that will define the future. We hope to explore examples, factors, and causes and to address questions like: 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?

Programme

13
March (Friday)

Crossing Borders: The Journey of Boy 87

09:30
- 10:30
Malvern St James School
Step into the gripping world of Boy 87, where courage meets injustice and friendship defies fear. In this session, students will explore Ele Fountain’s powerful portrayal of a young boy forced to flee his home, navigating detention, escape, and hope.
Link to the talk: Crossing Borders: The Journey of Boy 87

Storm Child: Finding Voice in a Changing World

11:30
- 12:30
Malvern St James School
Dive into the emotional and urgent world of Storm Child, where rising tides mirror rising voices. This session invites students to explore Ele Fountain’s gripping tale of globalisation through the eyes of a young protagonist caught between loss and leadership.
Link to the talk: Storm Child: Finding Voice in a Changing World

Michael Rosen – Language, Literature and the Power to Reimagine

19:30
- 21:00
Malvern St James School
Join author Michael Rosen for a lively session on how poetry and stories can spark social change. Discover how rich, playful language opens minds, challenges stereotypes, and helps children see the world in bold, imaginative new ways. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Michael Rosen – Language, Literature and the Power to Reimagine
14
March (Saturday)

Family Poetry Session with Michael Rosen: Wordplay, Wonder and the Wild Unknown

10:00
- 11:00
Malvern St James School
Join Michael Rosen for a playful family poetry session full of rhymes, surprises, and curious questions. Through word games and stories, explore how language can be silly, serious, and full of wonder—all at once. Everyone welcome! FAMILY PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Family Poetry Session with Michael Rosen: Wordplay, Wonder and the Wild Unknown

Logging Off to Wake Up: Reclaiming Humanity in the Age of Big Tech

10:00
- 11:00
Malvern St James School
Join journalist and campaigner Adele Zeynep Walton for a powerful and personal talk on the human cost of our digital world. This is a call to wake up, log off, and imagine a more humane digital future. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Logging Off to Wake Up: Reclaiming Humanity in the Age of Big Tech

Life at the Limits: Interconnected Life in the Arctic Ecosystem

11:30
- 12:30
Malvern St James School
Step into the frozen wild with wildlife biologist Lucy Eckersley as she uncovers the delicate web of life in the Arctic. Discover how plankton, polar bears, and climate change are intricately connected—and why protecting this ecosystem matters to us all. FAMILY PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Life at the Limits: Interconnected Life in the Arctic Ecosystem

Why is Politics in the UK so Febrile?

11:30
- 12:31
Malvern St James School
Join Danny Dorling for an exploration of the fears shaping our future. Drawing on global data and sharp insight, he reveals how inequality and misinformation distort our sense of crisis, which crisis is worse—and how we can respond with clarity and hope. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Why is Politics in the UK so Febrile?

A Climate of Truth: why we need it and how to get it

14:00
- 15:00
Malvern St James School
Mike Berners-Lee invites us to confront the polycrisis with honesty. From immigration to inequality; Palestine to pandemics, he argues that truth is the key leverage point we can all push for. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: A Climate of Truth: why we need it and how to get it

Who ate all the Pi?

14:00
- 15:00
Malvern St James School
Celebrate Pi Day with Tom Crawford in a fast-paced, fun-filled session exploring the magic of maths and the mystery of π. Expect puzzles, pop culture, and plenty of surprises—perfect for curious minds who love numbers, circles, and chaos. Back by popular demand! FAMILY PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Who ate all the Pi?

The Stories We Tell: Rewriting the World Through Radical Imagination

15:30
- 16:30
Malvern St James School
Join author Jeanette Winterson for a powerful talk on how storytelling can spark social change. Through myth, memoir, and radical imagination, she explores how reclaiming our narratives can reshape identity, challenge injustice, and rewrite the future. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: The Stories We Tell: Rewriting the World Through Radical Imagination

From Varjak Paw to Tyger and beyond: The World of SF Said

15:30
- 16:30
Malvern St James School
Step into the world of SF Said—where cats know secret martial arts, boys become stars, and tigers fight for justice. This inspiring session will take you behind the scenes of his books, showing you how an ordinary young reader became an award-winning author. FAMILY PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: From Varjak Paw to Tyger and beyond: The World of SF Said

Unpacking Power: Race, Resistance, and the Architecture of Change

19:30
- 21:00
Malvern St James School
Join Reni Eddo-Lodge - a transformative voice in contemporary British discourse on race, feminism, and structural inequality – in conversation about systemic racism, white privilege, and the emotional disconnect that often blocks meaningful dialogue. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Unpacking Power: Race, Resistance, and the Architecture of Change

Babygirl, You’ve Got This!: Reimagining Education Through the Eyes of Black British Women

10:00
- 11:00
Malvern St James School
Join April-Louise Pennant for a talk exploring how Black British women navigate and reshape education. She challenges systemic barriers and calls for learning spaces rooted in identity, resilience, and justice. Be part of the conversation—and the change. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Babygirl, You’ve Got This!: Reimagining Education Through the Eyes of Black British Women

Baroness Lola Young on Identity, Power, and Change

11:30
- 12:30
Malvern St James School
Join Baroness Lola Young for a compelling session on identity, justice, and cultural change. Drawing on lived experience and public leadership, she explores how personal stories can challenge systems—and how we can all shape a fairer future. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Baroness Lola Young on Identity, Power, and Change

Mythica: In Search of the Real Women behind Homer’s Myths

14:00
- 15:00
Malvern St James School
Emily Hauser, Image copyright Faye Thomas Photography.
Join classicist Emily Hauser for a powerful exploration of ancient women’s lives and legacies. Through myth, archaeology, and storytelling, she reveals how reclaiming forgotten voices can reshape our understanding of history—and inspire change today. SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Mythica: In Search of the Real Women behind Homer’s Myths

The Bonfire of the Insanities: How Does This Government Thing Work Again?

15:30
- 16:30
Malvern St James School
Join John Crace for a satirical deep-dive into British politics, drawn from his latest book The Bonfire of the Insanities, a tour through Britain’s political chaos. He asks: how does this government thing work—and can satire help us fix it? SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: The Bonfire of the Insanities: How Does This Government Thing Work Again?

The Ugly Duckling

15:30
- 16:30
Malvern St James School
A heartwarming puppet show for ages 3+, Sea Legs Theatre’s The Ugly Duckling follows a lonely duckling’s journey to belonging. With music, gentle humour, and enchanting puppetry, it’s a tender tale of transformation and hope. FAMILY PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: The Ugly Duckling
15
March (Sunday)

Worlds of illustration and imagination

14:00
- 15:00
Malvern St James School
Headshot photo of Will Hughes
Step into worlds of wonder with children’s author and illustrator Will Hughes! In this playful workshop for all ages, families will draw maps, invent characters, and create illustrated stories together—imagining ogres, cosmic zoos, and magical adventures. FAMILY PROGRAMME
Link to the talk: Worlds of illustration and imagination

Speakers

Discover this year’s theme

Details of this year’s venues, speakers and programme are released on our homepage as they are agreed.