Humanists UK Heritage Manager Madeleine Goodall will speak at Humanists UK Convention 2025, in a session exploring humanists and freethinkers who fought for our rights. She will be joined by cartoonist and graphic novelist Paul ‘Polyp’ Fitzgerald. The Convention will take place from 13–15 June 2025 at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield.
Tickets for Humanists UK Convention 2025 are on sale now – and running very low.
Madeleine Goodall is the Humanist Heritage Manager at Humanists UK. Her work involves uncovering and sharing the rich history of humanism in the UK – a story of people, groups, objects, places, movements, publications, and ideas.
Humanists UK Convention is a highlight of the Humanists UK calendar, with hundreds of humanists from across the country gathering for a summer weekend of science, politics, culture, and comedy. This year, the Convention will be held at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield from 13–15 June.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘Maddy and Paul will together offer a fascinating exploration of the individuals who have shaped the humanist tradition. Madeleine’s expertise in humanist history, combined with Paul’s artistic perspective, will provide a unique insight into the ongoing struggle for rights and equality. Humanists UK has a proud history of advocating for social justice and equality, and this session will highlight the importance of remembering those who have fought for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.’
Humanists UK Convention 2025 will bring together humanists from across the country for a weekend of science, politics, culture, and comedy. The event will be held at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield from 13–15 June 2025. Maddy joins a diverse line-up of speakers, including physicist Dr Helen Czerski; journalist Ian Dunt; author of Money, Lies, and God, Katherine Stewart; tech entrepreneur Sara Wahedi; happiness economist Professor Lord Richard Layard; anthropologist and author of The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World, Professor Harvey Whitehouse; historian and editor of The Free Speech Wars, Dr Charlotte Lydia Riley; philosopher and author of What Is Humanism For?, Professor Richard Norman; Authoritarian Century author Dr Azeem Ibrahim OBE; folklorist and cultural anthropologist Deborah Hyde; AI, Faith & Civil Society Commissioner Professor Kate Devlin; and many more.
Humanists UK Convention 2025 | Sheffield
13 June 2025, 19:00
Octagon Centre, Clarkson Street, Sheffield, S10 2TQ
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 130,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.