Conway Hall Ethical Society presents:
A celebration of humanism, secularism, atheism and the ethical movement past and present.
Join us for a full day of activities, exploring the fascinating stories of freethought movement – the activists, authors and artists who asked the big questions about who should have the power to shape our society.
With talks and discussions from today’s leading thinkers and writers, film screenings, and interactive displays and workshops, this festival will bring to life the amazing history of non-believers and explore the impact they still have today – all in the beautiful surroundings of Conway Hall, the historic home of freethought.
TALKS:
Writing Freethought Histories
Authors Suzanne Hobson, Edward Royle and Bill Cooke discuss their work uncovering the fascinating histories of freethought, from the tight-knit networks of secularists to radical literary innovators. Chaired by researcher Clare Stainthorp.
The Freethinker: The Voice of Secularism
The Freethinker has been a leading voice campaigning for secularism and freedom of enquiry since 1881. Freethinker Editor Daniel Sharp, former editor and freelance writer Emma Park, and Chair of Secular Society Ltd Dan Bye join Professor David Nash to discuss the legacy and future of this historic publication.
Freethinking Lives
Explore the lives of key figures of the freethought movement with writer and historian S I Martin, researchers Eoin Carter and Maddy Goodall, and political artist Paul Fitzgerald. Chaired by the National Secular Society’s Head of Campaigns, Megan Manson.
Radical Music, Remarkable Women
Electric Voice Theatre’s Frances M Lynch and KCL Research Fellow Dr Katherine Fry explore women’s networks in 19th century London and the role of music in these often hidden social and intellectual circles. The conversation will include performances of some of the musical works by these influential women composers.
WORKSHOP:
A Flower For Your Thoughts
Join Assemblage Collective in Conway Hall’s historic Library, and reflect on your ideas about freethought and make your mark by contributing to a collaborative lotus fold book in a creative drop-in workshop. Your contributions will become part of a unique collective creation, which will be preserved in Conway Hall’s Archive.
EXHIBITION & DISPLAY:
Freethought Heritage Exhibition
Since 1886, Conway Hall Library and Archives has been a haven for the radicals, political and social reformers and freethinkers who dared to dream of a better world. Discover the story of freethought as told through Conway Hall’s archives, in a unique display curated by Professor David Nash.
Doers, Dreamers, Place Makers virtual tour
Throughout the festival, the Bertrand Russell Room will be transformed with a virtual tour of Conway Hall, exploring some of the fascinating people, objects and stories that make up the living history of the Ethical Society – a history of challenging the status quo, building community and fighting for change.
FILM SCREENING:
Reasons to Believe
Drop into the Brockway Room throughout the day to experience a screening of Ben Fama Jr.’s thought-provoking documentary, Reasons to Believe – an exploration of the psychology of why we believe what we believe about reality. Interviewing experts in the fields of psychology and philosophy, Ben Fama Jr. asks the question: Why do we believe?
The Freethought History Festival is supported by The Freethinker
Age Recommendation:
14+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Price: *All ticket prices below include a £1 booking fee applied at checkout*
SATURDAY DAY ONLY • Standard £25 • Living Support £16 • Student £16
WEEKEND TICKET • Standard £33 • Living Support £21 • Student £21
Access Information
Due to the age and Grade II listing of the building, there is no lift access to rooms above the ground floor.
All the ground-floor rooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Cafe (street access, step-free). There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.
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