BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Festival of Economics - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Festival of Economics
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Festival of Economics
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20230326T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20231029T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T113000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133625Z
CREATED:20260617T135254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133625Z
UID:712-1727778600-1727782200@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline
DESCRIPTION:An ‘in conversation’ with Bethan Staton ( Financial Times ) and Russell Jones as Jones introduces his book The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline . He describes and interprets the economic and political history of the past half a century\, examining the challenges confronted by successive governments and their Chancellors\, the policies employed for good or ill\, and – running through it all – the desperate search for a panacea that could arrest the nation’s relative decline and return the country to its supposed former glories. \nBuy Russell Jones’ The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline now from Bookshop.org. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/the-tyranny-of-nostalgia-half-a-century-of-british-economic-decline/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T131500
DTSTAMP:20260701T133626Z
CREATED:20260617T135255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133626Z
UID:713-1727784000-1727788500@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Under-performing: How can we boost Britain’s low productivity?
DESCRIPTION:UK productivity has been sluggish since the 2007-09 financial crisis. Our expert panel debates the causes of the UK’s productivity stagnation and consider potential policy solutions. This session explores the extent of the challenge and to discover how boosting investment\, improving education and training\, exploiting technological innovation\, and changes in regulation could help address the UK’s productivity puzzle. \nChaired by Sam Fleming ( Financial Times \, chair)\, with Katy Riddington (National Composites Centre)\, Dariush Sokolov (Unite)\, Judy Stephenson (University College London) and Bart van Ark (University of Manchester and Productivity Institute). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/under-performing-how-can-we-boost-britains-low-productivity/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T134500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T150000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133733Z
CREATED:20260617T135255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133733Z
UID:714-1727790300-1727794800@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:How can we build a sustainable planet?
DESCRIPTION:Our expert panel discusses the intersection of economic growth and sustainability – in the context of escalating environmental challenges. This session explores how economic policies can drive sustainable development and create a future where our planet is protected. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of economic progression and environmental preservation\, it is imperative to understand how economics can be leveraged to foster sustainability. \nChaired by Gavin Jackson ( The Economist \, chair)\, with Ed Atkins (University of Bristol)\, Amy Coulthard (EnTrade\, Avon Bristol Catchment Market)\, Jo Michell (University of the West of England)\, Claire Pearce (Real Growth). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/how-can-we-build-a-sustainable-planet/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T164500
DTSTAMP:20260701T133733Z
CREATED:20260617T135308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133733Z
UID:715-1727796600-1727801100@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:(Not) Moving on up: How can we increase social mobility?
DESCRIPTION:The notion of social mobility has been a cornerstone of UK policy for decades. Despite this\, we have been witnessing a significant decline in the potential for young people to transcend their family backgrounds in their life outcomes. Our expert panel unpicks the policy interventions needed to ensure equality of opportunity\, for individuals\, and long-term socio-economic prosperity\, for the nation. This event considers the causes of the current social mobility slowdown to explore strategies to reignite social mobility across the whole of the UK. \nChaired by Mehreen Khan ( The Times \, chair)\, with Lou Davies (Bedminster Down School)\, Lindsey Macmillan (University College London and Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities)\, Suzanne Rolt (Arnolfini)\, David Sturrock (Institute for Fiscal Studies). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/not-moving-on-up-how-can-we-increase-social-mobility/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-4-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T201500
DTSTAMP:20260701T133733Z
CREATED:20260617T135309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133733Z
UID:716-1727809200-1727813700@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Legacies of Empire: What Britain needs to do
DESCRIPTION:The British Empire has left an indelible mark on the UK economy. From the accumulation of wealth\, through colonial trade\, to the continued economic inequalities borne from imperialism and enslavement\, this legacy remains a subject of significant debate and analysis. This event explores how historical practices continue to influence contemporary economic structures\, opportunities\, and disparities in the UK\, and address what the country and institutions can do to help repair the legacy of empire and enslavement. Our panel of experts delves into the complex economic heritage of the British Empire\, its legacies and issues of reparative justice. \nChaired by Anu Anand (BBC World Service\, chair)\, with Bishnupriya Gupta (University of Warwick)\, Kojo Koram (Birkbeck University of London)\, Jessica Moody (University of Bristol) and Margaret Simmons-Bird (education consultant). \nThis event was sponsored by the University of Bristol Reparative Futures Programme . Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/legacies-of-empire-what-britain-needs-to-do/
LOCATION:The Great Hall\, Wills Memorial Building\, University of Bristol
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-5-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T113000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133734Z
CREATED:20260617T135309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133734Z
UID:717-1727865000-1727868600@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back; and Growth: A Reckoning
DESCRIPTION:Daniel Susskind\, of King’s College London\, and newly elected Labour MP for Swansea West and former Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation\, Torsten Bell discuss their recently published books focused on growth with Ruth Badru (University of Bristol). Bell presents a clear-eyed diagnosis of the problems facing our country\, in his book Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back ; while Susskind provides a revelatory account of the past\, present\, and future of economic growth – and how we should rethink it in his book Growth: A Reckoning . \nBuy Torsten Bell’s Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back and Daniel Susskind’s Growth: A Reckoning now from Bookshop.org. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/great-britain-how-we-get-our-future-back-and-growth-a-reckoning/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-6.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T131500
DTSTAMP:20260701T133734Z
CREATED:20260617T135310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133734Z
UID:718-1727870400-1727874900@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:The kids aren’t alright: Tackling a legacy of child poverty\, bad diets and poor health
DESCRIPTION:The next generation faces a unique set of health and social challenges. Our expert panel considers the pressing issues affecting today’s young children\, from educational disparities to declining health outcomes. This session brings together front-line practitioners\, educators\, and economists to consider the collaborative strategies needed to support and empower children and families and to create a more equitable and supportive environment for young people\, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. \nChaired by Phillip Inman ( The Observer \, chair)\, with Christine Farquharson (Institute for Fiscal Studies)\, Paul Mitchell (University of Bristol)\, Matthew Poulson (Barton Hill Academy)\, Hannah Woodhouse (Bristol City Council). \nThis event was supported by the Centre for Evidence-Based Public Services . Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/the-kids-arent-alright-tackling-a-legacy-of-child-poverty-bad-diets-and-poor-health/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-7-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T134500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T150000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133743Z
CREATED:20260617T135310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133743Z
UID:719-1727876700-1727881200@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:The first 100 days: Has the new government got its priorities right for kick-starting Britain?
DESCRIPTION:The first 100 days of the new UK government serves as a barometer for Starmer’s economic and public policy aims. Our panel of experts debates the new administration’s first 100 days and considers what the initial priorities mean for the future. The session explores the strategic decisions\, policy implementations\, and economic measures taken during this critical period and what they mean for the long-term success of the country. Panelists review changes in economic and public policy\, to explore how the new government’s actions set the stage for its term and how they might influence the UK’s trajectory. \nChaired by Richard Davies (Economics Observatory\, chair)\, with Gavin Kelly (Resolution Foundation)\, Stuart McIntyre (University of Strathclyde)\, Adrian Pabst (NIESR)\, Helen Simpson (University of Bristol). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/the-first-100-days-has-the-new-government-got-its-priorities-right-for-kick-starting-britain/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-8.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241002T200000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133743Z
CREATED:20260701T113026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133743Z
UID:1205-1727895600-1727899200@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Tim Harford: Cautionary Tales (Live Podcast Recording\, 2024)
DESCRIPTION:Tim Harford returns to the Festival of Economics with a third live recording of his popular podcast\, Cautionary Tales. We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable life lessons\, but these cautionary tales are for the education of grown-ups – and they are all true. In his hit podcast Cautionary Tales\, Tim Harford brings stories of awful human error\, tragic catastrophes\, daring heists and hilarious fiascos. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/tim-harford-cautionary-tales-live-podcast-recording-2024/
LOCATION:The Great Hall\, Wills Memorial Building\, University of Bristol
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T113000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133743Z
CREATED:20260617T135329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133743Z
UID:721-1727951400-1727955000@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain
DESCRIPTION:Will Hutton discusses his book\, This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain \, with Irina Anghel (Bloomberg). The book highlights how the right and left have gone wrong over the course of the last century – and how we can remake a better Britain. Hutton argues that Britain’s inability to invest in itself is at the heart of the country’s problems and that the malevolent thread linking the grievous errors of the last forty-five years is the attempt to create the utopia of free markets and a minimal state. \nHutton’s book reflects back on modern British history and political traditions from the First World War\, via the Cold War\, to today. He explores the ingredients that made for the success of the great reforming governments of the 20th century and discusses how these can be used to reform democracy going forward. \nBuy Will Hutton’s This Time No Mistakes now from Bloomsbury. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/this-time-no-mistakes-how-to-remake-britain/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T131500
DTSTAMP:20260701T133743Z
CREATED:20260617T135330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133743Z
UID:722-1727956800-1727961300@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Trading nation: How can we get Britain exporting again?
DESCRIPTION:Does the UK’s future economic growth rely on exports? And if it does\, what can we export to boost the country’s economy? Our panel explores the strategies and policies needed to help boost the British export market\, which is increasingly service-based. This session examines the policies that could address barriers to international trade and enhance the UK’s export performance. Key discussions cover the UK’s leading trade sectors and global contribution to research and innovation. The expert panel considers policy and regulatory solutions to drive Britain’s export growth and strengthen our global economic position. \nChaired by Irina Anghel (Bloomberg\, chair)\, with Vince Cable (Former Secretary of State for Business and Trade)\, Emily Fry (Resolution Foundation)\, Joris Hoste (University of Cambridge)\, Andrew Varga (Seetru). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/trading-nation-how-can-we-get-britain-exporting-again/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T134500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T150000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133744Z
CREATED:20260617T135331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133744Z
UID:723-1727963100-1727967600@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Beyond fair play: What would a fair society look like?
DESCRIPTION:In a time when social inequality and justice are at the forefront of public discourse\, our panel examines a vision for achieving a more equitable society. In today’s rapidly evolving social and economic landscape\, defining and achieving fairness is more important than ever. The event considers income equality\, access to education and healthcare\, and the role of government\, institutions and civil society in fostering equity. Our expert panel examines innovative approaches and policies aimed at creating a society where opportunities and resources are distributed equitably\, and every individual has the chance to thrive. \nChaired by Eshe Nelson ( New York Times \, chair)\, with Daniel Chandler (LSE)\, Paul Hufe (University of Bristol)\, Will Snell (Fairness Foundation) and Nyoaka Squire (Babbasa). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/beyond-fair-play-what-would-a-fair-society-look-like/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T164500
DTSTAMP:20260701T133818Z
CREATED:20260617T135331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133818Z
UID:724-1727969400-1727973900@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Global Britain: What is our role in the world?
DESCRIPTION:In a world of shifting alliances and emerging global powers\, where does the UK fit in? Our expert panel tackles pressing questions about recent global events and geopolitical challenges\, as well as the UK’s international influence\, trade strategies\, and diplomatic relationships. In a lively debate on the challenges and opportunities that define the UK’s future\, our experts share insights on the key geopolitical events shaping the UK’s place in the world. \nChaired by Cerian Richmond Jones ( The Economist \, chair)\, with George Magnus (University of Oxford)\, Ian Mitchell (Center for Global Development) and Helen Thompson (University of Cambridge). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/global-britain-what-is-our-role-in-the-world/
LOCATION:Cinema 1\, Watershed\, 1 Canon’s Rd\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-4-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241003T200000
DTSTAMP:20260701T133818Z
CREATED:20260617T135332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T133818Z
UID:725-1727982000-1727985600@economicsfestival.co.uk
SUMMARY:Inequalities – the Marshall Paley Lecture
DESCRIPTION:In this inaugural event\, Sarah Smith OBE\, Professor of Economics at the University of Bristol\, introduces Professor Sir Richard Blundell CBE FBA\, Ricardo Chair of Political Economy at University College London. He is Co-Director of the ESRC Centre for the Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). \nBlundell discusses Dimensions of Inequality: The IFS Deaton Review\, a programme of research that stepped back and asked: how are different kinds of inequality related\, which matter most\, what are the big forces that combine to create them\, and what is the right mix of policies to tackle them? \nThe Marshall Paley Lecture was supported by the University of Bristol\, School of Economics \, where Mary Marshall Paley was the first woman lecturer. \nVisit our past events page to see details of past Festivals and to listen to audio recordings. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
URL:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/event/inequalities-the-marshall-paley-lecture/
LOCATION:The Great Hall\, Wills Memorial Building\, University of Bristol
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://economicsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/archive-5-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR