As spring begins to bloom across the city, we’re all preparing for the final section of the academic year, the continuation of Varsity and that society ball you’ve been thinking about since Christmas! But between the revision cards and springtime shopping spree, a Sheffield favourite is making its return to the Steel City. With a General Election beginning before the year is out, the Festival of Debate could not be more timely.
Festival of Debate is an annual event in Sheffield, running this year from April 16th to May 25th, featuring a series of talks, presentations, exhibitions and book launches which all encourage us to think and question the world around us. Split into the three themes of ‘Democracy’, ‘Inequality’ and ‘Climate’, this year’s festival aims to highlight the underlying issues our country and world faces every day, and the people at the forefront of alleviating these problems.
Founded in 2015, Festival of Debate aims to foster healthy debate, disagreement and discourse and reflect the communities of South Yorkshire, with specific focuses on grassroots campaigns, universities and community groups. As a non-partisan organisation, the festival is designed to encourage engagement and active citizenship from anyone, regardless of political affiliation or experience, and with the 2024 programme featuring a blend of in-person and online events, engagement with the festival and its ideas has never been easier.
Festival Director Joe Kriss, who has programmed the festival since its founding, said: “This year…is the most ambitious we’ve ever put together, and we’re really excited about what we’ve got planned”. Speaking to the festival’s significance in the wider community, Kriss pointed out: “We’re facing a series of intersecting crises in this country and…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.”
As well as featuring local groups and initiatives, including The River Don Project, speakers at this year’s festival include former leader of the Green Party Baroness Natalie Bennett, Professor of Epidemiology Sir Michael Marmot, environmentalist George Monbiot, LBC presenter and political commentator James O’Brien and poet Jackie Kay.
The 2024 Festival of Debate is set to be another successful year of challenging views, healthy debate and community spirit, bringing people from across our city together to talk about the issues that really matter in this General Election year. With a range of event themes, formats, locations and speakers, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this year’s programme.
Festival of Debate will be taking place from April 16th until May 25th. The full programme and tickets are available here
