Tickets have gone on sale this week for the Big Tent Festival, this year entitled Transitions, taking place in Queen’s Square, Bristol on 11 June. Tickets for the festival, attracting big-name speakers including Cabinet Ministers, Shadow Ministers, MPs, politicians from regional to international level, business and community leaders, are at an early-bird price of £12.50 (concessions available) until the end of March and can be purchased here
The festival is open to all and will provide an opportunity to shape political debate around four themes – the transition to net zero; to a more equitable society; to better public services; and to better conversation through new media and culture.
Speakers lined up so far include George Freeman MP, Minister for Science and Innovation, Stephen Kinnock MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Sir Ed Davey, MP, Leader of Liberal Democrats, as well as Mayor Marvin Rees and local Bristol MPs, Darren Jones and Kerry McCarthy. With business leaders including Bruce Daisley, former head of Twitter (Europe) and Mark Robinson, Chair of the Government’s High St Task Force also taking part, the discussions will be practical as well as thoughtful, aiming to achieve a better understanding of the problems we are facing and creative solutions that can be achieved.
The Big Tent is an interactive festival and there are plenty of opportunities for guests to get involved and have their say. As well as all panels being open to question and comment from the audience, there will be a Speakers Corner, allowing members of the public to raise specific topics. A Dragon’s Den style event will showcase start-ups and entrepreneurs from the West of England, matching them with potential investors. An art wall gives everyone the chance to make their mark.
Ben Rich, CEO of Radix Big Tent, said, “We are hugely excited to be coming to Bristol this year. The region is rich in creativity and innovation and we are looking forward to tapping in to that. Big Tent Transitions is an opportunity for people to talk about the issues that matter to them, to be able to tell those in power what the region needs – and most of all, to have a really fantastic day!”
To buy tickets or to register interest in Speakers Corner, visit the Big Tent website