Lewes Speakers Festival

About

The Lewes Speakers Festival returns from 8–10 May 2026 with one of its most ambitious programmes yet, bringing leading thinkers, journalists, historians and writers to Lewes for a weekend of ideas, debate and culture.

Highlights include Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, discussing Britain's role in a dangerous world; climate scientist Bill McGuire explaining what Earth's deep past reveals about climate change; and international affairs writer John Kampfner exploring how countries around the world are tackling major social and economic challenges.  The festival will also feature a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, global politics, economics, history and psychology, with speakers such as Philip Coggan, Jason Burke, Leah Ruppanner, and Thant Myint-U.

New for 2026 is an expanded programme of hands-on workshops, including Ukrainian cooking sessions making authentic borscht with the Lewes-based charity Ukrainian Hearts and creative Samchykivka folk-art painting workshops led by Ukrainian artist Diana Yeliseieva.

The festival is also launching its first dedicated children's programme, the Lewes Speakers Festival for Kids, taking place on Sunday 10 May at the Malling Community Centre.  Young readers will be able to meet popular children's authors including Helen Peters, Jack Noel, bestselling YA novelist Holly Bourne, and award-winning writer Alan Durant, with lively storytelling, drawing sessions and discussions designed to inspire the next generation of readers.

Festival director Marc Rattray said the aim is to expand the event so that "there is something for everyone – from global politics and science to hands-on creative workshops and a vibrant new festival for young readers." Tickets and full details are available at www.lewesspeakersfestival.com, or by phone on 0333 666 3366.