Humanists UK has announced a stellar line-up of over 20 speakers for Festival of Humanism 2026, taking place at the Bournemouth International Centre from 12–14 June 2026. Formerly known as Humanists UK Convention, the newly rebranded festival promises a weekend to fascinate, educate, entertain, and inspire, with announced speakers including including Maggie Ardiente, Professor Alice Roberts, Dr Adam Rutherford, Janet Ellis MBE, and Alf Dubs.
Almost 450 people from right across the UK have already signed up to attend. Secure your place today.
Maggie Ardiente is President of Humanists International, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) with representation on various United Nations committees and other international bodies, and the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. She is also past President of the Secular Coalition for America (2020–2025). This coalition represents 20 diverse organisations advocating for equal rights and defending the separation of religion and government in the United States. Joining her is Humanists UK President Janet Ellis MBE, who has been a patron since 2014 for her career-long exploration of the human condition through the arts, and was awarded her MBE in 2016 for services to theatre and charity.
Also taking the stage are two Humanists UK Vice Presidents: Dr Adam Rutherford and Professor Alice Roberts. Adam Rutherford is a scientist, broadcaster, and Lecturer in Biology and Society at UCL. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including the Sunday Times bestselling How to Argue With a Racist, and Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics. Alice Roberts is Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham, past President of the British Science Association, and the 2020 recipient of the Royal Society’s David Attenborough Award for Public Engagement. Alice is author of Ancestors (2021), Buried (2022), Crypt (2024), and Domination (2025), and, with Andrew Copson, of The Little Book of Humanism (2020), The Little Book of Humanist Weddings (2021), and The Little Book of Humanist Funerals (2023).
Joining them is Alf Dubs, a prominent Labour peer, veteran human rights campaigner, and Humanist of the Year 2016, who lent his name to the ‘Dubs amendment’ to make sure unaccompanied child refugees in Europe would be able to reunite with their families in the UK.
While over 20 speakers are now confirmed, the announcements have only just begun. Humanists UK Convention 2025 featured over 35 speakers, and Humanists UK looks forward to welcoming well over 40 to the Festival of Humanism in Bournemouth this June. The Festival will also feature a diverse array of experts, campaigners, and writers. Other speakers recently confirmed include:
- Dr David Wearing – Assistant Professor in International Relations and author of AngloArabia: Why Gulf Wealth Matters to Britain
- Oscar Lozada – PhD researcher in palaeoanthropology at the University of Cambridge
- Karen Wright – Director of Human Rights and Advocacy
- Clare Elcombe Webber – Director of Community Services
- Dr Neil Weddell – the first humanist pastoral carer appointed by the UK Armed Forces
- Dr Roger Hutton – President of Defence Humanists
For a full list of speakers, and to book tickets, visit humanists.uk/festival2026.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘With over 20 speakers now confirmed, the line-up for Festival of Humanism 2026 is remarkable, and it is already shaping up to be an unmissable event. Whether reflecting Alf Dubs’ lifelong commitment to human rights or Maggie Ardiente’s vital advocacy for secularism, this roster represents the very best of humanist thought and action. We cannot wait to welcome hundreds of humanists to Bournemouth this June for a weekend of connection, discovery, and inspiration.’
Book your tickets at humanists.uk/festival2026.
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Speakers at Humanists UK Conventions have included: Catherine Nixey, Dr Brian Klaas, Dr Julia Shaw, Professor Sir John Curtice, Dr Azeem Ibrahim OBE, Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou, Professor Jim Al-Khalili CBE, Baroness Joan Bakewell, Ed Byrne, Shaparak Khorsandi, Peter Tatchell, Professor Saiful Islam, Polly Toynbee, Professor Richard Wiseman, and Dr Helen Czerski.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 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.