Our annual festival features interviews, panel discussions and lively debates, capturing stories and issues from the world of religion which are making the news. Media professionals including journalists and broadcasters have the opportunity to hear new ideas, find new contacts, and explore news stories in greater depth.

The programme for this year’s festival on 9 June 2025 included interviews with Cathy Newman, Channel 4 news; Lord Russell Rook, adviser to the Faith Minister; and Sir Mark Thompson CEO of CNN and former BBC Director General.

Panels discussed British Muslims; the British Media and British Jews; Religion, GenZ and Millennials; and the role of local media in creating connections across society.

Well-known religion journalists were quizzed on their work and hosted the discussions.

Keynote speakers at pervious festivals have included Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster; Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury; James Harding, former BBC Director of News; Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks; and the screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Well-known broadcasters have chaired and taken part in panel discussions. Watch the highlight video from our latest festival below: