About the festival
What if optimism wasn't a feeling, but something we could build together?
At a time when headlines can leave us feeling overwhelmed by the challenges facing our communities, the Festival of Optimism offers a different perspective.
Rather than focusing on what's broken, it shines a light on the people, places and ideas already creating positive change — and asks how we can build on that momentum together.
Across three inspiring days, attendees will discover pioneering ideas, hear from thought leaders and local changemakers, take part in interactive workshops, experience wellbeing and cultural activities, and connect with organisations making a tangible difference across Thanet and beyond.
Why optimism?
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About us
The Festival of Optimism is a team effort, led by Stephen Miller and Elinor Seath
Elinor Seath, CEO, Remixd CIC
As the architects behind the UK’s first Experience Improvement District (XID) in Ramsgate, Kent, Remixd CIC transforms urban development beyond traditional commercial footfall metrics to focus on wellbeing, the experience economy and creativity as the primary drivers of long-term resilience and regeneration.
By transforming unloved and unutilised public spaces into high-value community assets, Remixd CIC eliminates development fragmentation, elevates local expertise and independent businesses, and equips local governance with the tools to build sustainable, future-proofed local economies that thrive with civic pride with people at the heart of economic development.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinor-seath-10b3a22b3/
Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller is an independent consultant and senior leader with over 20 years’ experience working in social innovation, community and economic development. He
was previously Director of Delivery and Impact at Power to Change, overseeing a programme of funding and support for community businesses and community-owned assets across England, particularly in disadvantaged places.
Stephen also brings extensive hands-on community experience, currently serving as Chair of Ark - Cliftonville’s Cultural Space, working as part of the team that helped
save a significant local building from private development and transform it into a thriving community cultural venue.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmillerresearch/
