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festofdebate.bsky.social
Festival of Debate 2025
@festofdebate.bsky.social
300 followers 14 following 84 posts
Festival of Debate returns from 22 April – 30 May 2025.

The largest grassroots politics festival in the UK. A @weareopus.bsky.social project.

#FofD

👉 festivalofdebate.com
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festofdebate.bsky.social
Festival of Debate 2025 @festofdebate.bsky.social · Mar 19
💥BIG NEWS💥

Here's your full lineup for Festival of Debate 2025! 🎉

Join us in Sheffield for the UK's biggest politics festival, with more than 50 events exploring responses to some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Discover the programme ➡️ festivalofdebate.com

#FofD #Sheffield #Politics
A poster for the Festival of Debate, showing the logo of the festival, the dates 22 April – 30 May 2025, and dozens of names of people and groups hosting events. At the bottom of the festival are the logos of the sponsors: Learn Sheffield, Lankelly Chase, the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, Sheffield City Council, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
weareopus.bsky.social
We've just invested £250 in @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social's brilliant initiative to help secure the future of some of the UK's best grassroots music venues, including #Sheffield's beloved Gut Level.

They're still £150k short of their target with 12 hours to go – consider investing if you can 👇
Own Our Venues 2025
Your chance to invest and help secure the very buildings that host some of the UK's iconic and community-focussed Grassroots Music Venues.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"This is your chance to recognise the deep challenges we face in #Sheffield and beyond, and be part of responding to them together"

We've got the full low-down on this year's @sheffieldtransformed.org, which returns to South Yorkshire later this month.

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social
Sheffield Transformed - Sheffield Transformed reveal line-up for 2025 festival, with organisers promising “bigger and more diverse” programme
The annual festival of left-wing politics features sessions on anti far-right organising and clean energy transitions, as well as zine-making, poetry writing and folk singing.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM
festofdebate.bsky.social
Next Thursday, we're inviting the team behind Regen Melbourne – a community of more than 200 organisations committed to creating a thriving city living within our planetary boundaries – to Sheffield 🌏

Find out more at the link below, or grab a ticket ⬇

www.tickettailor.com/events/wordl...
A poster for a new event series called Sandbox. Over a beige background and an abstract image of a sandbox, it has the text "Sandbox. How cities collaborate for transformation. Sheffield x Melbourne. In conversation with Alison Whitten (Regen Melbourne) & Helen Sims (Voluntary Action Sheffield). Thu 20 Nov, 8–9:30pm, The Circle, Sheffield. Below this are the logos of Regen Melbourne, Sheffield City Goals and Opus
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 AM
festofdebate.bsky.social
🚨 We've decided to take a year out from our full Festival of Debate programme in 2026

But don’t worry – we’ll still be hosting six headline events throughout the year that will welcome some of the most interesting and radical systems change thinkers to #Sheffield

@nowthenmag.bsky.social have more⬇️
Festival of Debate - We’re taking a break from the full Festival of Debate next year – here’s why
We have an exciting lineup of keynotes talks in 2026, but we’re taking time to think about how the festival can play a more active role in building the new systems that we urgently need.
nowthenmagazine.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
weareopus.bsky.social
We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way 🌱

This Thursday, join us for an exciting conversation about Radical Abundance with Keir Milburn.

🕖 7pm
📌 The Workstation
🎫 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497
A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"
September 29, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
weareopus.bsky.social
Here's an exclusive extract in @nowthenmag.bsky.social from Keir Milburn, @kaiheron.bsky.social & @bertrussell.bsky.social's new book 'Radical Abundance'

Keir is coming to #Sheffield next Thursday to explore how we can “create a world of true abundance” 📚

Tickets 👉 buytickets.at/wordlife/183...
We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way
Ahead of in-conversation in Sheffield next Thursday, we have an exclusive extract from a new book that makes the case for creating a world of “radical abundance”.
nowthenmagazine.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Next Thursday, Keir will be joining us to discuss 'Radical Abundance' with Debs Grayson.

In a discussion session hosted by Now Then, we'll explore how we can “create a world of true abundance” right here in Sheffield.

@plutopress.bsky.social

Tickets ➡️ tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497
A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"
September 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"Under capitalism, for the sake of generating a bullshit abundance of privatised wealth for the few, our collective freedom and capacity to flourish is constrained"

Here's an exclusive extract from Keir Milburn, @kaiheron.bsky.social and @bertrussell.bsky.social's new book 'Radical Abundance' 🌱
We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way
Ahead of in-conversation in Sheffield next Thursday, we have an exclusive extract from a new book that makes the case for creating a world of “radical abundance”.
nowthenmagazine.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
weareopus.bsky.social
Capitalism has created a world of bullshit abundance, where we have too much of what we don’t need and too little of what we do.

Join us in Sheffield on 2 October to hear Keir Milburn in conversation about the alternative: Radical Abundance ✨

Tickets 👉 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497
A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"
September 16, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
weareopus.bsky.social
Join us in #Sheffield on 2 October for an exciting in conversation between Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson about Keir’s new book 'Radical Abundance', co-written with Kai Heron and Bertie Russell.

📅 2 October
📌 Workstation
💷 £5 (£10 solidarity)

Tickets 👉 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497
A black-and-white photo of a bearded man, wearing a black polo-neck sweater and looking at the camera with a slight smile
September 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
weareopus.bsky.social
At Opus, we’re in the process of moving our company savings to a more ethical platform with better interest rates.

@sammgreg.bsky.social spoke to colleague Bashkim Muca about the thinking behind the switch, and what learning we hope to offer to other organisations devoted to systems change ⬇️
Where should systems change organisations keep their money?
At Opus, we’re in the process of moving our savings to a more ethical platform with better interest returns. Team member Sam Gregory spoke to colleague Bashkim Muca about the thinking behind the switc...
www.weareopus.org
September 1, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"This year’s programme is a true reflection of our city – diverse, vibrant and welcoming to all"

We're super excited about the lineup for this year's @otsfestival.bsky.social, led by Lemn Sissay, @lucyworsley.bsky.social and @kenanmalik.bsky.social, plus loads more 📚

@sammgreg.bsky.social ✍️
Off the Shelf - Off the Shelf Festival of Words returns to Sheffield in 2025 with Lucy Worsley and Lemn Sissay
The 34th edition of the book-based event series also features Alison Steadman, Simon Armitage and Sheffield’s own Graham Fellows among more than 60 events.
nowthenmagazine.com
August 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM
festofdebate.bsky.social
📢 "Westminster didn't fix anything for us. We demanded the right to do more for ourselves."

Andy Burnham @mayorofgm.bsky.social‬ speaks on the power of devolution and the future of the North of England at Festival of Debate 2025, with ‪@metromayorsteve.bsky.social‬.
July 7, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
mandascott.bsky.social
This bonus episode is a raw, unflinching conversation recorded live at #Sheffield #FestivalofDebate by
@weareopus.bsky.social with 3 of the most brilliant minds of our time: @kateraworth.bsky.social @indyjohar.bsky.social
& James Lock
accidentalgods.life/brilliant-mi
#AccidentalGods #Podcast
Brilliant Minds: BONUS podcast with Kate Raworth, Indy Johar & James Lock at the Festival of Debate
We are honoured to bring to Accidental Gods, a recording of three of our generation's leading thinkers in conversation at the Festival of Debate in Sheffield, hosted by Opus. This is an unflinching co...
accidentalgods.life
July 6, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
weareopus.bsky.social
A statement from Opus on the government's decision to proscribe @palaction.bsky.social.

You can also read the full statement on our website, where all of our sources are linked.

➡️ weareopus.org/post/opus-te...

#PalestineAction
Opus team statement on the ban of Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws After their protest at RAF Brize Norton, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to designate direct action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Palestine Action sprayed paint on military jet engines as a protest against the UK’s complicity in Israel’s genocide. This is not terrorism. Direct action is the heartbeat of our democracy, and the government’s draconian attempt to smear Palestine Action represents a dangerous moment for civil liberties in the UK. Since the Policing Act, protest has been curtailed and police have been given more power than ever to intervene in protests, and to arrest protesters. Our government have supported Israel’s genocide both politically and materially. Keir Starmer has refused to call Israel’s actions a genocide, when the UN, Amnesty and Human Rights Watch have all done so. Recent data from Action on Armed Violence has found that the RAF have conducted more than 500 reconnaissance flights over Palestine since December 2023. The UK has sent thousands of military items to Israel since October 2023. Just days ago, a study from Harvard found that Israel has “disappeared” 377,000 Palestinians, half of them children. Research published in the Lancet estimates the death toll is 40% higher than shown in official records. Israel are committing a genocide in Palestine, and they’re doing it with the support of the UK government. Sheffield is not unconnected to this genocide. Research from the University of Sheffield is used to provide vital parts for arms for Israel. The university has received almost £100m over the past 12 years in investments from arms manufacturers. BAE Systems have opened an artillery production facility in Sheffield, further cementing the city as a major player in arms production. Palestine Action have put their own freedoms at risk to call out the complicity of the UK government in supporting a genocide. In accusing them of behaving as a terrorist group, this government is further weaponising post-9/11 legislation which criminalises and demonises Muslims. We refute the allegations that Palestine Action are terrorists, and we challenge the government’s definition of terrorism. It will soon become illegal to express any support for Palestine Action. The nature of proscription also complicates how journalists can cover the group, a startling restriction of freedom of speech. At Opus, we work to make systems change possible for a better world. We urge everyone in Sheffield and the rest of the country to agitate for Palestine Action’s right to protest, and our collective right to object to a genocide. We will continue to use our platforms to amplify groups like Palestine Action whose principled actions make a better world possible. Emergency mobilisation outside Sheffield Town Hall, Thursday 26 June, 5:30 pm
June 24, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
granthamcsf.bsky.social
Climate change is here. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions alone won’t save us — we must adapt and act now! ⚠️

You can now watch the full recording of this fascinating @festofdebate.bsky.social event hosted by our Grantham Scholars. ⬇️

📽️ youtu.be/IxV3D7t3Oxg?...

#FoD2025 #ClimateCrisis
Adapt or Collapse? The Radical Overhaul Our Living World Needs in the Age of Climate Crisis
YouTube video by Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures
youtu.be
June 19, 2025 at 1:52 PM
festofdebate.bsky.social
🌱 "There's a quiet nagging, an imperceptible whisper just out of earshot, calling us to witness our collective grief."

It was an honour to have award-winning environmental justice researcher and educator Joycelyn Longdon at the festival this year, to discuss her book Natural Connection.
June 10, 2025 at 11:35 AM
festofdebate.bsky.social
🚨 "What's being promised to us as a shiny new world of tomorrow is actually just recycling old forms of misogyny, and baking them into the building blocks of our future society."

Laura Bates speaks on AI and misogyny at Festival of Debate 2025.
June 5, 2025 at 3:54 PM
festofdebate.bsky.social
✨ Our 2025 programme is now over - thank you all so much for coming along and taking part for another year. It's such a source of hope to see people coming together to explore some of the most important issues we face. See you next year!

Photos by Adva Photography 📸
Shon Faye speaks into a microphone, smiling and gesturing towards the crowd. Behind her is a Festival of Debate banner. Joycelyn Longdon seated at a small table, holding a microphone and smiling. A crowd of people in the Leadmill. People are facing the stage, which is out of shot. In the foreground is a pile of colourful pens and chalk pastels, and at the centre is a piece of artwork depicting a woman with her hair in a ponytail. A large audience at the Octagon, under blue lighting.
June 3, 2025 at 10:01 AM
festofdebate.bsky.social
Yesterday at Soft Ground, we heard from Sheffield Community Land Trust about their plan to take our city back into common ownership, providing affordable housing and cultural spaces right in the city centre 🏘️

#Sheffield #CommunityLandTrust #FofD
A photo of about 20 people in a brightly lit room, watching someone standing at the front with a microphone delivering a presentation using a projector
May 29, 2025 at 8:17 AM
festofdebate.bsky.social
Join us at The Showroom tonight for a free screening of a powerful documentary exploring how Sheffield’s social enterprises are leading systemic change in response to the interconnected social, economic, and environmental challenges of our time.

Free tickets ⬇️

#Sheffield #FofD #SocialEnterprise
Social Enterprising the Transitions Ahead – Film & Q&A
Join us for a special screening of Social Enterprising the Transitions Ahead, a powerful documentary…
festivalofdebate.com
May 28, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
granthamcsf.bsky.social
Don't miss our final @festofdebate.bsky.social event tonight!

Co-Director, Tony Ryan, will be exploring how bio-based plastics can suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere to help combat climate change.

🕖 7:00-8:30pm
The Diamond, Lecture Theatre 2

Book here ⬇️
🎟️ tinyurl.com/2s4arvf4

#Sheffield
May 28, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Reposted by Festival of Debate 2025
rtakver.bsky.social
It was my absolute pleasure to speak with Joycelyn Longdon for the #FofD @festofdebate.bsky.social.

Please also buy her fantastic 📖 Natural Connection: What indigenous wisdom & marginalised people teach us about environmental action

www.penguin.co.uk/books/454481...
May 23, 2025 at 12:13 PM
festofdebate.bsky.social
♻️ 28 May - The planet actually needs you to use more plastic!

Join @granthamcsf.bsky.social‬ Co-Director Tony Ryan for an open Q&A session, to explore an alternative, sustainable future for plastics.

Register now for free: loom.ly/BXDMuxY
The planet actually needs you to use more plastics - Festival of Debate 2025
The planet actually needs you to use more plasticsWednesday, 28 May - 7pm at The Diamond - Lecture Theatre 2Join us for a fascinating discussion and open Q&A...
loom.ly
May 23, 2025 at 11:01 AM
festofdebate.bsky.social
Sheffield’s Poverty Truth Commission has been meeting for over a year, listening to the stories of local people and their experiences of poverty.

"The system" is a theme that comes up time and time again. At our event on Thursday, we explored what it is and whether it works ⬇️
A photo of a big piece of paper on a table covered in writing and drawings, with pens and post-it notes on top of the table. Visible are the words "How do people get lost or stuck in systems?" and the word "DISCONNECTED" in a big starburst A photo of a long table with a long piece of paper on it, with people standing around it writing on it
May 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM