Festival of Debate kicked off with a conversation about the Sheffield City Goals on Tuesday 22 April, and runs until Friday 30 May.
We contacted Sam Gregory, organiser, to ask what the festival involves.
He said: “The festival has over 50 events each spring which explore some of the most urgent issues of our time.”
This includes the climate crisis, health inequalities and eliminating poverty.
He said: “This year’s festival has a range of exciting headliners, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, and author and activist Shon Faye.
“Guardian writer Lanre Bakare will be talking about Black British history outside London, and Kehinde Andrews on the enduring legacy of Malcolm X.”
Forge asked why the festival is important. Sam Gregory explained: “In Sheffield and the wider world, we’re experiencing an ever-more frequent and severe series of crises.
“From the after-effects of the financial crash, to Covid, the cost-of-living crisis and climate crisis.”
He said: “Our current political and economic setup is evidently failing us. The festival offers a vital space to discuss alternatives,
“Different ways of meeting human needs that could start to address the deep systemic problems we face.”
Forge asked why students should get involved. Sam Gregory said: “With over 50 events, we’ve got something for everyone. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Steve Rotherham should be especially interesting.
“They’re speaking about how we can redistribute political and economic power away from London and towards the north.”
He continued: “They’re speaking at the Octagon on 19th May, so easy for students to get to!”
Festival organiser, Nat Burton, said: “Most of our events are completely free. We keep the ticket prices for our headliners as low as possible so people from across the city can get involved.”
Forge asked how the festival started. Sam Gregory said: “We started up in 2015 in response to the general election that year. The choices on offer, both among politicians and the commentariat, seemed to be woeful.
“Nobody was talking about any fundamental change in the way society was set up, it was about tinkering around the edges.”
He continued: “The festival gives people a space to discuss these more radical and exciting ideas, and the alternative futures they may be part of.”
Joe Kriss, festival director, said: “We no longer have the time to make minor reforms to existing systems. This year’s Festival of Debate will focus on how we can make a just transition,
“To a world where everybody’s needs are met, while staying within our planetary boundaries.”
