Two-day Festival Pass (Early Bird)

20% Early Bird discount until 3rd Sept 2026

Festival of Optimism - Two-Day Festival Pass 

Through inspiring talks, practical workshops, exhibitions and hands-on local experiences, we're bringing together residents, organisers, creatives, social innovators, businesses, funders and policymakers to explore how we can build fairer, greener and more hopeful communities.

Across the three days, the Festival moves from inspiration to action to experience:

• Day 1: Ideas and Inspiration (Margate) showcases innovative ideas and practical examples through inspiring speakers, thematic sessions and participant-led conversations.

• Day 2: Insights into action (Ramsgate) helps people develop their own ideas further, overcome challenges and devise practical next steps for taking action.
• Day 3: Get involved takes the Festival out our communities through local tours, hands-on activities, creative and wellbeing experiences, before finishing with a shared celebration.

HEAR FROM OUR KEY NOTE SPEAKERS:

Rob Hopkins on how to fall in love with the future: a time traveller’s guide to changing the world.

Clare Inkster and Sam Furness on the science of optimism.

The Programme explores six connected themes covering:

• Healthier Lives – innovating approaches to health, wellbeing and social care
• Kinder Communities – celebrating people and organisations that strengthen communities
• Greener futures – showcasing practical environmental solutions
• Good Food for All – more resilient local food systems
• Thriving places – championing local economies where businesses and organisations work together
• A place to call home – new approaches to housing that create secure inclusive and sustainable communities

LIGHTING TALKS WITH:

Christian McGuire on how creative venues can give back to their communities

Daisy Norwood on climate action and connecting young people with nature

The two-day Festival Pass gives you:

• Full conference access: enjoy both days of our cornerstone conference, with talks, workshops and networking. Lunch provided both days.
• Selected fringe events: gain entry to selected fringe events, including 'The Margate We Dream Of' and the Optimissmo party at Margate Arts Club.

NB: Day 3 experiences are not included in the Pass, and must be booked seperately (due to differing capacity of participating partners)

About our pricing tiers:

Our Community tier is for those who would like to attend but have limited resources (e.g. students, freelancers, small community groups). No proof required. Normal price is £50. 

Our Standard Tier tickets are for anyone receiving support from their employer or who feel they can afford it. Normal price is £100.