Brighton and Hove, 4 August 2026 — Some of Britain’s best-known political figures, writers and public thinkers will come to Hove this autumn for a full day of debate, ideas and audience conversation at the Brighton & Hove Speakers Festival.
Taking place at The Old Market in Hove on Sunday 11 October 2026, the festival will feature seven separate sessions examining artificial intelligence, Britain’s economy, the condition of the state, international politics, creative leadership and modern China.
The programme brings together former Chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, bestselling author Jung Chang, political commentator Sam Freedman, author and broadcaster John Kampfner, Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle, AI expert Dr Fola Yahaya and Green Party politician Rachel Millward.
Artificial intelligence opens the festival
The day begins at 10.20am with Peter Kyle MP in conversation with Dr Fola Yahaya for AI: Threat, Tool or Transformation?
The session will explore how artificial intelligence is changing employment, creativity, business and government, while separating realistic opportunities and risks from the growing volume of hype surrounding the technology.
Yahaya, founder of Strategic Agenda and a former United Nations economist, will examine where AI performs well, where it continues to fail and how individuals and organisations can prepare for the changes ahead. Kyle will contribute the perspective of a politician who has been directly involved in Britain’s approach to technology and AI policy.
Britain’s political and economic future
At 11.50am, political commentator and former government adviser Sam Freedman will present Failed State: The Sunday Times Bestselling Investigation Into Why Britain Is Struggling.
Drawing on his experience inside Whitehall, Freedman will examine why public services, government institutions and long-term policymaking appear increasingly unable to deliver—and what could be done to rebuild public trust and state capacity.
He will be followed at 1.20pm by author and broadcaster John Kampfner, whose session Braver New World looks beyond Britain for practical answers to challenges including healthcare, housing, education and environmental policy.
Kampfner’s research takes in examples from Taiwan, Vienna, Costa Rica and Finland, asking whether Britain could learn from countries that have successfully confronted problems often described as unsolvable.
Former Chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt takes the stage at 2.50pm for Can We Be Rich Again? The Surprising Potential of Britain’s Economy.
Hunt will argue that Britain retains important economic advantages, including a major technology sector, leading universities, global financial services and strong public institutions. His talk will consider how the country might escape weak growth, stagnant living standards and rising public debt.
Sir Jeremy Hunt continues to represent Godalming and Ash in Parliament.
Jeremy Corbyn reflects on a life in politics
At 4.20pm, Jeremy Corbyn will deliver A Life in Politics: Reflections from the Backbenches to Downing Street’s Door.
The former Labour leader will reflect on more than four decades in Parliament, his unexpected rise to the party leadership, the 2017 general election, his departure from Labour and his subsequent return to Parliament as MP for Islington North.
The event is presented as a personal reflection rather than a conventional political speech, offering supporters, critics and undecided audience members an opportunity to hear Corbyn discuss power, loyalty, public service and the experiences that shaped his career.
From filmmaking to frontline politics
Rachel Millward will speak at 5.50pm about her move from the creative industries into local government.
Her session, From Film Festivals to Frontline Politics, will explore how experience in storytelling, cultural leadership and community-building can influence political decision-making. Millward will also discuss the compromises involved in coalition leadership and the difference between political ideals and delivering change in practice.
Jung Chang closes the festival
The festival concludes at 7.20pm with internationally acclaimed writer Jung Chang, author of Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China.
Chang will discuss her new book, Fly, Wild Swans: My Mother, Myself and China, which continues the story of her family while examining China’s transformation into a global superpower.
The session will explore memory, family and the lasting effects of China’s political history, as well as the changes experienced by Chang and her relatives during the era of Xi Jinping.
Each session will be followed by an audience question-and-answer period.
Tickets are priced between £16 and £20, with a limited number of early-bird tickets available for £15 and £18.50 when purchased before 6 September. The festival website states that only 46 discounted tickets are available directly through its booking system, with remaining tickets sold through The Old Market.
The Brighton & Hove Speakers Festival takes place on Sunday 11 October 2026 at The Old Market, Upper Market Street, Hove, BN3 1AS. Tickets and full programme details are available through the Brighton & Hove Speakers Festival website
