Day 1 pass

Festival of Optimism - Day 1 -  Ideas and Inspiration (Margate)

Enjoy the first day of our cornerstone conference, which is all about ideas and inspirations.

Expect talks and workshops showcasing innovative ideas and practical examples across our six themes.

A delicious vegan and gluten free lunch is included, as well as ample networking opportunities. Plus a free ticket to Optimissimo on Friday 2nd Oct at Margate Arts Club!

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.

OPTIMISM IN ACTION - LIGHTNING TALKS WITH: 

Christian McGuire local venue owner and youth employment programmer for Behind The Bass, on how creative venues can give back to their communities. 

Daisy Norwood founder of Youth Climate & Community group, on climate action and connecting young people with nature.

Jemma Channing local artist also working at Arts Council England.

Amy Redmond founder of Margate Pride. 

DAY 1 - THEMATIC LABS: 

On registration, you will be invited to choose which THEMATIC LAB you would like to join. 

1. Healthier Lives - Peace of mind: Talking therapies and mindfulness with older people. Hosted by Jemma Channing, with Vanessa Wood (Age UK), and Lorraine Williams (Mindful Thanet).

2. Kinder Communities - What can the power of collective action and care look like under a feminist lens? With Sarah Hutchinson (Beyond the Page), and Charlotte Fischer (Love and Power).

4. A Place to Call Home - Common ground: how creativity, land and collaboration can create social impact. Hosted by Dan Chilcott (Margate Creative Land Trust), with Beth Boorman (Community Land Trust Network), and Natasha Batorijs (Joy Land Urbanism).

5. Thriving Local Places - From neglected spaces to thriving places: how communities can lead local renewal. Hosted by Aleema Shivji, with Hazel Sheffield (journalist and author of Frontierlands), Victoria Williams (People Dem Collective), and Naomi Rubbra (Footwork Trust).

5. Thriving Local Places - Changing the story: local media as a force for good. With Anna Patton (journalist), Georgina Wilson-Powell (Don’t Miss Margate), David Floyd (Social Spider/Barnet Post), and Lila Allen (Ramsgate Recorder). 

THEMATIC LABS EXPLAINED

This is not another panel discussion.

Each two-hour Lab brings together local experience with ideas from further afield to spark conversation, connection and action.

You’ll help shape the discussion, explore how ideas could work locally and identify one practical next step.

• 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

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 separately (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.

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