How will the UK recuperate post-covid? Radix and Big Tent offer the opportunity for public and policy makers to come together and make their voices heard.
After 18 months, live events are coming back – and the very first live political event of 2021 is taking place in Coventry as part of the UK City of Culture and in partnership with Radix. The Big Tent Ideas Festival, with the theme of regeneration and renewal, is taking place in the new Assembly Festival Garden in the city centre on Saturday 10th July 2021, attracting political, campaigning and business leaders from the Midlands and Nationwide.
Local MPs Taiwo Owatemi and Liam Byrne join politicians from across the three main English parties, including Big Tent Founder George Freeman MP (Conservatives), Fabian Hamilton MP (Labour) and Layla Moran MP (Liberal Democrats) to discuss a range of issues focussed around the theme of growth – both for the city and the country.
The day’s sessions will take place over three tents on the site, erected specially as festival space for the City of Culture and are broadly grouped under four key headings: Green Growth, building upon the city and region’s expertise in green industries; Healthy Growth, exploring the future of the health service and the promotion of healthy living; Creative and Inclusive Growth, celebrating Coventry and the Midlands as a creative hub with discussion on how to build upon its local culture and innovation; Global Connectivity, Growing Together, focusing on how the UK interacts with the wider world.
As well as the chaired debates – all populated by renowned experts in their field – Big Tent offers an opportunity for community groups and individuals to have their say. There are regular Speakers’ Corner slots to be filled throughout the day. The Festival gives local people the opportunity to shape the country’s future, not just hearing from politicians but telling senior ministers and others what they should be doing to tackle violence, confront hunger, deliver net zero, reform healthcare and recapture of the community spirit of the first lockdown.
George Freeman MP, Founder of Big Tent is delighted that Coventry is playing host to such a vital event. Commenting on the festival’s location, he explained, “As Britain looks to Build Back Better, the Coventry Cluster is leading the way in cleaner, healthier and fairer economic growth for all. At the Festival on the 10th July, we will be showcasing the best of the area. We hope that many local residents will come and join us.”
Baroness Sally Morgan, Big Tent Foundation Board Advisor said, “This is an important event at such a pivotal moment; an opportunity for open and constructive conversations for people of all political persuasions and none. The festival will be a forum for public debate, developing the ideas and giving a platform to the people who have the most potential to help shape bold, local renewal.”
Tickets are available now with 50% discount available for Go CV+ cardholders.
