A major speakers festival will return for a weekend of talks, ideas and debate.
The Lewes Speakers Festival, now entering its fifteenth year, will take place from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, featuring a broad programme of talks covering politics, history, science, economics, literature, workshops and children’s events.
Headline speakers include Jeremy Hunt, reflecting on Britain’s economic future and journalist John Kampfner, who will speak on democracy and the shifting world order.
Author Liam Byrne will discuss populism and political strategy, while columnist Philip Coggan will explore the forces reshaping the global economy.
Marc Rattray, festival director, said: “Lewes has always had a strong appetite for ideas, argument and independent thinking.
“This year’s programme is one of our most ambitious yet — bringing together major political voices, historians, scientists, writers, practical workshops and cultural events for a weekend that we hope will be as stimulating, challenging and enjoyable as any we’ve produced.”
History and international affairs will feature prominently in this year’s line-up.
Jason Burke will speak on radical movements and political violence, David Torrance will discuss the 1926 General Strike, and Professor Colin Shindler will address the historical roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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Discussions on science and the future will also take centre stage.
Professor Bill McGuire will talk about climate risk and Earth’s uncertain future, Sumit Paul-Choudhury will explore science and possibility and Anne-Laure Le Cunff will discuss curiosity and thinking in a distracted world.
The festival will include a Ukrainian cultural programme featuring traditional food workshops, folk art, music and conversations about war, identity and resilience.
This focus reflects the festival’s ongoing support for Ukrainian cultural and humanitarian causes.
Tickets and further information are available at lewesspeakersfestival.com.
Other new events include the Cashflow Game, an interactive workshop on financial education and investing led by finance professional Yuliia Fedorenko.
Families are also invited to the first-ever Lewes Speakers Festival for Kids, which will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the Malling Community Centre.
This child-friendly strand will include appearances by bestselling children’s authors and activities designed to inspire and engage younger audiences.