Factory International

The Fête of Britain - Friday 23 February

Comedians Jon Ronson, Rosie Holt, Stuart Goldsmith and Jonathan Pie

Accessibility features available for this event: Wheelchair Access

Hope and big picture thinking shine through at day two of The Fête of Britain – get involved in a talk, explore an installation from Brian Eno then round off the day with our comedy showcase

Start the weekend off right by experiencing a sound and visual installation from artist and musician Brian Eno.

Feel empowered and inspired by a range of talks and workshops exploring democracy and how we can come together creatively to make a more equitable future. Hear from Salford Involve about their work bringing people back to the vote – or celebrate what makes your local area great with clean air champions Love Ssega.

Find your common ground through Pause and Share, take a moment to sit and meet a stranger – and both listen and be heard on what's important. You can chill out in Camerados' Public Living Room with a cuppa, get hands-on and make a contribution to our giant marble run or even try your hand at some of our fête games!

Round off the night with a provocative evening of comedy that doesn’t shy away from the big issues facing the UK today in Live From The Fête of Britain. Journalist and broadcaster Jon Ronson shares funny and startling human stories before a top tier comedy line-up of Rosie Holt, Darran Griffiths, Stuart Goldsmith and Jonathan Pie. Tickets are onsale now – so be quick!

Explore our bookable workshops and full schedule below!

Explore what's on

Banner Making with Freya Wysocki

When? 11am–1.30pm

Where? The Social

What? Come together to construct a communal Fête banner using coloured fabrics and your own body shapes.

Children (under 16) must be accompanied by an adult.

UNIBOSI talk: Marble Awareness Roadshow

When? 12–12.30pm

Where? The Social

What? Hear from Mr Silly (yes, you read that right!) from the Bureau of Silly Ideas about The Fête of Britain marble run.

The Common Census

When? 12–6pm

Where? The Social

What? Cast your votes in this highly researched and deeply statistical study of our shores. Come along, grab some stickers and help us to paint a true picture of our country in 2024. 

Drop-In Democracy with Graham Smith

When? 12.15–1.15pm and 3.15-3.50pm

Where? Upper Hall Foyer

What? Empathy Museum presents... Pull up a seat at the table and share in the conversation with Graham Smith, Professor of Politics at Westminster University.

Pause/Share

When? 1–1.25pm

Where? The Social

What? Take a moment to meet a stranger, and both listen and be heard on what's important to you, your family and your community.

Panel: Engaging the Missing Millions

When? 1.30–3pm

Where? The Social

What? Nick Gardham and Nick Burke of Salford Involved, and others debate engaging people in politics, and bringing back the missing millions to vote.

People's Political Plates with Haleh Moravej

When? 2.30–4.30pm

Where? The Social

What? Create a vibrant piece of community food art in this hands-on session focused on sustainability and combatting food poverty.

Imagine Manchester 2030 – Transition Town

When? 3.30–5pm

Where? The Social

What? Founder of the international Transition Towns movement, Rob Hopkins looks at why true creative, positive thinking is more important now than ever.

COMEDY: LIVE FROM THE FÊTE OF BRITAIN

Comedians Jon Ronson, Rosie Holt, Stuart Goldsmith and Jonathan Pie
A provocative night of comedy with Jon Ronson, Rosie Holt, Desiree Burch, Stuart Goldsmith and Jonathan Pie.
Book now →

The Fête of Britain

A Union Jack flag made of purples, blues and greens – instead of the usual colours
A four-day celebration of collaboration and imagination in the face of the great challenges of our time.
Find out more →

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