York Festival of Ideas 2026 announces headline speakers
Posted on Wednesday 29 April 2026
The 2026 Festival showcases contributions from a number of world-class speakers and performers, including acclaimed authors, Sir Michael Morpurgo and Alexander McCall Smith; former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon; and the award winning screenwriter Sally Wainwright.
The Festival brings together experts for a series of Festival Focus sessions looking at challenging issues including whether democracy has outlived its usefulness, the silent crisis of chemical pollution in our rivers, ways of sharing wealth more fairly, how rail is advancing sustainable travel and how to promote the economic development of York and North Yorkshire.
Other highlights include an event with double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes; veteran of British retail Stuart Rose, and celebrated historian Kate Williams.
York Festival of Ideas, led by the University of York, is one of the largest free festivals of its kind in the UK. It’s made possible by the support of organisations including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, LNER, Yorkshire Water, York Central, the Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Story time
This year the Festival will present a programme of over 200 mostly free in-person and online talks, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, guided walks and family-friendly events. Topics will range from art to archaeology, history to health and politics to psychology.
Joan Concannon, Director of York Festival of Ideas, said: “We are delighted to welcome a truly stellar lineup of headline speakers who have each shaped their own unique ‘spaces’ in the world. We’re also thrilled to host our second Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day honouring our Festival Patron, Michael Morpurgo, who returns to the Festival for a ninth time.
“This year is particularly special as we celebrate the University of York being named Community University of the Year 2026 by the Daily Mail University Guide. This prestigious accolade, awarded in recognition of the Festival, reflects our commitment to public good and our belief that the power of education and ideas should be accessible to all.”
Heritage reframed
Booking has already opened for school and home-educated children to attend All Aboard the Story Time Express with Michael Morpurgo, a free online event presented by the Festival in partnership with the National Railway Museum and supported by LNER.
Marking the National Year of Reading 2026 and part of the annual Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day, the live broadcast will take place on Wednesday 10 June from 10am to 10.45am from a locomotive at the National Railway Museum.
The Festival also includes YorkTalks: Heritage Reframed on Saturday 6 June, which invites members of the public to Heslington Hall to experience a range of talks and interactive activities to explore York research.
From a celebration of the life and works of York-born painter and printmaker John Langton, to the Royal Tours of Henry VIII and what heritage could look like in the digital age, visitors will discover how University of York research is reshaping how we interpret our local and national heritage.
The full Festival programme will go live on Friday 1 May.
Further information
All Aboard the Story Time Express with Michael Morpurgo - Wed 10 June
School teachers and home educators can register their class or school for All Aboard the Story Time Express with Michael Morpurgo,and find out more information by visiting the York Festival of Ideas website (yorkfestivalofideas.com).
Riot Women with Sally Wainwright – Sun 31 May
With a new series of Riot Women in production, BAFTA-winning creator Sally Wainwright discusses the origins of the hit BBC drama. Join the acclaimed writer, director and producer (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax) in conversation with award-winning journalist Emma Barnett. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process as they explore the vital, universal struggle of women reclaiming their voices in the modern world.
Live Better: Midlife and menopause – Fri 5 June
Struggling with joint pain or insomnia? You aren’t alone. Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes reveals that even elite athletes feel the effects of ageing. Drawing on personal experience, Kelly shares tips on managing middle age and the menopause. Discover how weight training, daily steps, nutrition and a positive mindset can help you maintain vitality and navigate your life journey with confidence.
Frankly: Nicola Sturgeon in conversation – Sat 6 June
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first female and longest-serving First Minister, is one of the most influential political figures of our time. In conversation with author, journalist and political commentator Gavin Esler, she reflects on a remarkable career in an era marked by Brexit, Covid and five UK prime ministers. Gain insights into her achievements and her vision for the future of Scotland and the global political landscape.
Human Kindness in a Volatile World – Sun 7 June
While the headlines often focus on what divides us, acclaimed author Alexander McCall Smith has spent decades chronicling what connects us: friendship, community and the importance of being kind. From the dusty streets of Gaborone to the cobblestones of Edinburgh, his characters remind us that the smallest acts of kindness are often the most revolutionary. Join the creator of the iconic No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency at our in-conversation event.
