Battle of Ideas North 2026

A day of debate on politics, economics, culture wars and more in Manchester as the Battle of Ideas festival returns north!

Join us in Manchester for a day of debate with the motto FREE SPEECH ALLOWED – an opportunity to get to grips with some major public debates and the challenges we face going forwards. We'll have speakers from across the UK and beyond, but with a focus on audience involvement.

Produced by the Academy of Ideas.

PROGRAMME

10:00-10:15
Welcome

10:15-11:45
From Greenland to Brexit Britain: does sovereignty still matter?

11:55-13:10
Economic growth and a Northern Renaissance
OR
Woman and gender: the Supreme Court ruling, one year on

13:10-14:25
Lunch

Lunchtime sessions: 13:25-14:10
Build, build, build: How do we solve the housing crisis?
OR
How can the arts embrace freedom of expression?

14:25-15:40
Disaffected youth: are young people getting more extreme?
OR
Is Britain broken? Countering sectarian and fragmented communities

16:00-17:30
Free speech: under siege from all sides

ANY QUESTIONS?

For all enquiries about Battle of Ideas North, including programme information, partnership opportunities, or to volunteer, please email Geoff Kidder: geoffkidder@academyofideas.org.uk