Battle of Ideas festival 2025

The twentieth Battle of Ideas festival will feature debates that cover an enormous range of issues in politics, economics, science and culture.

The festival weekend is serious, fun, inspiring and much more. But don’t take it from us – what makes it unique is that it is not simply about listening to academics and commentators telling you what they think. For us, the audience IS the festival, and we actively encourage you to have your say, to challenge other people’s ideas and be challenged yourself.

‘As a panellist, Battle of Ideas is fantastic because you learn so much from the audience. No other conference devotes so much of each session for the audience to question and comment on what the panellists have argued in their opening remarks. Every session is a genuine debate. That’s what makes it different: everyone who attends gets to feel involved.’
Baroness Tina Stowell

If you’re sick of shouting at the telly, and a weekend of civil but passionate debate in-the-flesh sounds up your street, don’t hesitate: our 2024 festival sold out, so grab your ticket and make sure of your place. Let Battle commence.

Host or Publisher Academy of Ideas