Enjoy an inspiring programme of in-person and online events at York Festival of Ideas.

Taking place from 30 May to 12 June 2026, the mostly FREE events include talks by world-class speakers, exhibitions, music, guided tours and family-friendly activities. And with topics ranging from animals to art, history to health, and biodiversity to the brain, the Festival promises something for all ages and interests.

A highlight of this year’s Festival will be the annual Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day. Look out for Songs of Nature: An evening of words and music with author Michael Morpurgo and cellist Clare O’Connell at the University of York, as well as a special online event for schools broadcast live from the National Railway Museum, All Aboard the Story Time Express.

This year’s headline speakers and performers include former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith, prominent environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey and veteran of British retail Stuart Rose.

Don’t miss Festival Focus sessions looking at challenging contemporary 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.

Supported by generous sponsors and led by the University of York, York Festival of Ideas is one of the largest free festivals of its kind in the UK.

Find out more and book your tickets.

Photo credit: Ian Martindale.