Inspire Fest 2026

Inspire Fest 2026: From fed up to fired up!

Are you tired of the headlines? It’s easy to look at the news and wonder if there is any good left out there. We’re told the world is divided, but here at Tales to Inspire, we know a different story.

Welcome to Inspire Fest, a one-day immersion into the heart of the UK's changemakers. This isn’t a corporate conference; it’s a gathering of humans from all walks of life who refused to stay silent, stay small and chose to make a difference instead, in their lives and in their communities. 

Leave the negativity at the door and join us in the heart of Manchester for a day that will prove, once and for all, that hope is alive and well.

Four Pillars of Inspiration

Our speakers haven't just studied these topics, they’ve lived them. Our day is structured around the four corners of the human experience:

• Inclusion & Belonging: Rewriting the narrative on how we hold space for one another.
• Leadership & Purpose: Finding the "Why" that drives real-world action.
• Physical & Mental Health: Stories of recovery, advocacy, and the strength of the human spirit.
• Resilience & Challenge: How the greatest obstacles often lead to the greatest impact.

What’s Waiting For You?

We’ve curated every detail to ensure this is the highlight of your summer. When you step into our not-for-profit Manchester city centre venue, you’re entering a space where every penny of the event supports the community.

• Powerful Live Talks: Real people. Raw stories. No filters.
• Dynamic Panel Discussions: Deep dives into how we can all be changemakers in our own postcodes.
• A "Soul-Food" Vegetarian Lunch: Fuel your body with a delicious, locally sourced lunch included in your ticket.
• Meaningful Connection: Forget "networking." This is a chance to meet like-minded people who care about the same things you do.

Why This is Your Summer Highlight

Most summer events leave you with a hangover or a sunburn. Inspire Fest leaves you with a new perspective. You will walk out of the doors feeling lighter, more connected, and equipped with the reminder that one person really can change the world. Whether you’re looking for a spark to start your own project or you just need a day to remember that kindness exists, this day is for you.

Introducing some of our incredible speakers!

• Hannah Cox: From non-runner to 100 marathons in 100 days.
  Founder of the Better Business Network and sustainability agency betternotstop, Hannah Cox recently completed 100 marathons in 100 days across india, with the aim of raising £1 million for people and the planet. Find out more about her story and what lead her to going from non-runner to completing a world first...
  
• Saeed Atcha MBE DL: From the foster care system to leading the next generation of changemakers
  Founder and CEO of Youth Leads UK, Saeed Atcha MBE DL has dedicated his life to service after spending his childhood in the foster care system. At just 15 years old, he launched a youth-led magazine that has since evolved into a successful charity, supporting over 12,500 young people to find their voices. Find out more about his journey from "corporate parents" to receiving an MBE from the Queen, and why he believes service to others is the ultimate key to a fulfilled life...
  
• Ije McDougall: From navigating life as an immigrant to becoming a magistrate and a lifeline for thousands
  Founder of the Kairos Initiative and a Magistrate in the UK, Ije McDougall is a bridge-builder dedicated to supporting victims of conflict and displacement in Nigeria. From navigating life as an immigrant to providing life-changing opportunities for orphans and vulnerable communities, she’s turned personal resilience into global impact. Find out more about her story of faith, advocacy, and how one person can spark a movement of hope across two continents...
  
• Andy Hall: From breakdown to breakthrough...find out why there's real power in mentoring!
  + the first reading of Andy's new book in collaboration with Tales to Inspire, Purposeful Mentoring!
  Andy Hall’s life changed when a mental health crisis forced him to stop and re-evaluate everything. Realising that he had spent years neglecting his own wellbeing, he pivoted his career to focus on the power of human connection. Today, he is using his lived experience to ensure nobody has to navigate their darkest moments alone. Find out how he moved from a breakdown to a breakthrough, and why he’s now dedicated to mentoring others toward a healthier, more purposeful life...
  
• Sean Bailey: From overcoming sudden paralysis to building a health empire that helps thousands rest
  A dedicated holistic health leader, Sean Bailey turned his recovery from physical paralysis into the foundation for Sean Bailey Wellness. His Community Interest Company tackles health inequalities by focusing on sleep clinics, mental health support, and physical rehabilitation. Today, Sean helps workplaces, schools, and individuals master the science of sleep to restore their quality of life. Find out more about his journey from a hospital bed to wellbeing champion, and why all human resilience begins with good rest...
  
• Alex Winstanley: From leaving teaching to building an inclusion movement that empowers people to rethink disability
  A passionate social entrepreneur, Alex Winstanley left teaching in 2019 to co-found Happy Smiles Training CIC. Driven by systemic barriers, Alex built a team led by disabled adults to deliver powerful inclusion training to schools, businesses, and communities. He is also an award-winning children's author, writing books to dismantle stigmas around long-term health conditions. Discover his journey from volunteering in Wigan to creating a wave of disability advocacy, and why true inclusion means letting disabled people lead...
• Maura Jackson: From Overcoming a turbulent childhood to leading a powerhouse charity for youth homelessness  A fierce champion for vulnerable youth, Maura Jackson has spent 30 years transforming social care and giving young people hope. As the former CEO of Backup North West, she turned her own "rock bottom" beginnings into a blueprint for empathetic leadership. Today, Maura uses her platform, and an accidental knack for stand-up comedy, to smash stereotypes and fight for community welfare. Discover her journey from a turbulent childhood to leading voice for social impact, and why true leadership requires self-care...
• Daniel Sukula: From fleeing the Congo to becoming the frontline role model the next generation desperately needs  A visionary youth worker, Daniel Sukula turned his experience of migration and navigating street life into a force for change. As the founder of Be The Change Project, he works on the frontlines protecting young people from knife crime and supporting their mental health. Today, Daniel empowers the next generation to smash stereotypes and unlock their potential. Discover his journey to becoming a life-changing community champion, and why supporting our youth is a shared responsibility...

...and many, many more!

The Details

📍 Location: Bridge 5 Mill, Manchester City Centre (a proud not-for-profit space)
📅 Date: Saturday 4 July 2026
⏱️ Time: 10am - 5pm
🥗 Food: Full vegetarian lunch included.

Tickets are limited so sign up now to guarantee your place!

Please note, there is a "Pay It Forward" ticket option, in case you feel you are able to contribute towards a ticket for someone who may not be able to afford one right now. 

Refund Policy: Refunds will only be given if the event is cancelled. If you can no longer attend, please let us know and we will check our reserve list to see if there is someone able to buy your ticket off you and attend in your place.