THIS IS THE NORTH – CONVENTION 2026

Deep Conversations, High Aspirations: Creating a North that’s GREAT for everyone
About this Event

This Is The North · Convention 2026
Creating a North That's GREAT for Everyone

Tuesday 15 September 2026
If you care deeply about life in your community, then get ready.

With No. 10 in the North on the horizon, as September approaches, People's Powerhouse invites you to join us at Scarborough's iconic Victorian Spa for a day built around a simple belief: if people are listened to in a neutral way, better decisions are made. Since 2017 People's Powerhouse has been putting people's voices at the centre of decision making.

It'll be an unforgettable platform for everyone - for radical honesty, inspiring ideas, culture, music and community action. The day is about:

Good lives
Real opportunity
Equity
Agency
Togetherness

What to expect

The day begins with a welcome from People's Powerhouse Chair Edna Robinson, setting the tone for a people-powered, politically neutral convention where local voices are at the heart of every conversation. A specially commissioned performance by Next Door But 1, inspired by our Coast to Coast listening project, opens the day and leads into three interactive acts exploring democracy, wellbeing, culture and sport.

Expect debates in the round, practical workshops, inspiring examples from across the North, and opportunities to join the conversation yourself. Our panels leave two chairs empty for audience members because the best ideas don't only come from the stage.

You'll hear from leading thinkers, community leaders, practitioners and changemakers from across the North and beyond, alongside residents, businesses, funders, public services and voluntary organisations. This is a space where different perspectives are welcomed and respectful challenge is encouraged.

Alongside the main programme, you can experience theatre, dance and art, take part in outdoor activities, contribute to the launch of the Do With Charter through legislative theatre, add your hopes to the Wishing Well, or simply take time to connect with others.

We'll end the day the way the North does best - with Pints of Knowledge: an informal evening of food, conversation and new connections, giving you the chance to continue discussions, revisit workshops, and build relationships that last beyond the convention.

Come as you are. Bring your voice, your story, your vision. Let's build something GREAT, together.

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Opening

Info: Start the day with refreshments and the chance to meet fellow delegates before a warm welcome from People's Powerhouse. You'll hear from our Chair, watch a short film, and take part in lightning introductions to discover who's in the room. We'll then be welcomed to Scarborough by the York & North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor. The morning concludes with a specially commissioned forum theatre performance, Coast to Coast: The Word From The Street, bringing to life the voices and experiences shared through People's Powerhouse's listening work. The performance will be followed by an opportunity to reflect, ask questions and explore the findings together.

🕑: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Act 1: Who's North Is It Anyway?

Info: Trust, Accountability, Voice & Representation: A panel exploring how we create a North that's GREAT for everyone, followed by Act 1 workshops that turn discussion into action, with a wide choice of interactive sessions for delegates from every background.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lunch and Scarborough Siesta

Info: Enjoy lunch while exploring the Marketplace, Culture Zone and Community Catalyst space, with creative activities taking place throughout the venue. Visit the Wishing Well, connect with exhibitors and fellow delegates, and relax to live jazz from the acclaimed Stu Collingwood Trio, performing a mix of classic jazz, Latin American influences and jazz-funk favourites as the perfect soundtrack to networking and conversation.

🕑: 03:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Act 2: What Makes Neighbourhoods Thrive?

Info: What does it take to start well, live well and age well? Hear from expert panellists before choosing from a range of Act 2 workshops that delve deeper into the themes, share practical ideas and explore what it takes to build healthier, fairer communities.

🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
In Conversation with Nazir Afzal OBE

Info: In Conversation with Nazir Afzal OBE. Content to be confirmed.

🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Act 3: The North is Celebrating

Info: Round off the day with an evening of celebration, food, music and connection. Enjoy a buffet, live jazz, an interactive playback theatre performance, the Pub Quiz of the North, and Pints of Knowledge - a relaxed chance to revisit selected workshops over a drink, continue conversations and celebrate the communities shaping a North that's GREAT for everyone.