This is a sponsored article on behalf of Conway Hall.
Did you know that Holborn is home to the UK's last remaining ethical society? For over 100 years, Conway Hall Ethical Society has championed independent voices for equality and social justice — and this charity's event programme is a real treat for anyone with an appetite for radical new ideas, lively debate, and excellent-value days out.
The next few months at Conway Hall are looking extra-special, with the launch of a brand new festival in addition to an eclectic range of talks, screenings, exhibitions and performances (fun fact: the venue hosts Europe's longest-running chamber music series. Talk about multi-tasking!)
Conway Hall's autumn events programme kicks off nice and early, on 30 August, with the launch of Freethought History Festival. This first-of-its-kind event celebrates humanism, secularism, atheism, and ethical concepts associated with the freethought movement, which encourages intellectual liberation through scepticism of dogma and tradition. And where better to delve into its history than at the HQ of the world's oldest surviving freethought organisation?
There are all sorts of activities to get stuck into — starting with a keynote discussion on Friday 30 August on the past and present of republicanism, featuring Graham Smith (the CEO of Britain's leading anti-monarchy campaigning organisation, Republic).
The thought-provoking fun continues on Saturday 31 August with activists, authors, and artists debating panel topics like Writing Freethought Histories, Freethinking Lives, Radical Music and Remarkable Women. Other highlights include a screening of a documentary about the psychology of belief and a creative workshop where you'll be invited to reflect on your own ideas about freethought.
Then, on 1 September, it's family day, featuring puppet-making, storytime, singing workshops, and more. This final day of the festival is completely free to attend, with the first two costing £18 (or £12 for Living Support/Students) and £25 (or £15 for Living Support/Students). If you fancy getting involved in both, you can do so for just £33 (or £25 for Living Support/Students).
The following week, on 8 September, Conway Hall launches its new season of Ethical Matters talks. Available online as well as IRL, these events bring together authors, writers, journalists, thinkers and academics to discuss an eclectic range of topics. We're particularly looking forward to Dr Faiza Shaheen's personal and statistical analysis of systemic inequality on 1 December. Other standout talks will include Eleanor Morton's Life Lessons from Historical Women (3 October), and a deep dive into ancient stories with mythologist Martin Shaw (30 October) in the historic Main Hall.
Autumn also sees Conway Hall team up with some fascinating organisations for special events. Explore colonialism and resistance with the Stuart Hall Foundation (5 September). Delve into the uncanny or divination with London Fortean Society (4 October, 16 November). Let London Performing Academy of Music at Conway Hall treat you to a unique performance of a Puccini opera (6 December).
Speaking of music, remember that chamber concert series we mentioned? These live performances take place every Sunday at Conway Hall — with free tickets for anyone under the age of 26! This autumn, you can enjoy the music of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, to name just a few.
This is just a taste of what's going on at Conway Hall over the next few months — see the full programme and book your tickets here.
