THE FESTIVAL OF OPTIMISM

1st - 3rd October 2026 | Thanet, UK

A new festival celebrating the people, places and ideas that give us hope for the future.

This is not another boring conference debating what's wrong with the world.

The Festival of Optimism is for anyone who wants to move beyond doom and gloom, to connect with people already making change happen.

You will hear inspiring stories, meet people facing similar challenges, discover practical models that are working elsewhere, and explore what these ideas could mean for Thanet and beyond.

Explore our themes

A conference with a difference

Who is it for?

We welcome:

local residents who care about the future of Thanet
community groups, charities and social enterprises doing great work across the UK and beyond
funders and policymakers who care about our communities
anyone looking for practical hope and fresh ideas.

Come to be inspired. Come to share what you are doing. Come to find collaborators, tools, energy and optimism for the work ahead.

Get involved

Day 1 - What to expect

We're inviting 80 people from across Thanet and beyond to share practical, real-life examples of the work they're doing alongside their communities to build a better future. You'll get a chance to meet and hear from inspiring local organisations alongside innovative projects from across the UK and beyond, as we discuss solutions to some of our biggest challenges - from care to climate change, housing to building better places.

Thu 1st Oct 26 | Ark, Margate

What to expect?

Day 2 - Putting insight into action

On Day 2 we're offering hands-on advice and support for delegates to put ideas into action. Expect practical workshops, one-to-one sessions and advice surgeries, all offering practical guidance and support on everything from starting and structuring a community project, through to running and financing an social change organisation.

Fri 2nd Oct 26 | Centenary Hall, Ramsgate

Day 3 - Giving back

Day 3 is all about experience, with attendees encouraged to get out into our communities and experience curated events, such as:

Curiosity tours of Ramsgate’s creative regeneration
Walking salons and open space discussions
Hands-on activation in a community garden
Meditation, yoga, and sound healing to restore wellbeing.

It will be both an inspirational and practical event to inspire communities from across the region to take action and build momentum in the national movement for economic change.

Sat 3rd Oct 26 | Events across Thanet

Early Bird tickets now on sale

And more...

Alongside the main conference, we have a load of other activities planned across the three days including art, exhibitions, quests, music, dancing ad much more.