Morning

 

10:00 — Opening & Welcome - Chris King, East Suffolk Council

 

10:15 — In Conversation with Wayne Hemingway

 

Designer and placemaker Wayne Hemingway joins us for a conversation exploring design, neighbourhoods, communities and the places we create.

 

10:45 — Future Neighbourhoods

 

A series of presentations exploring the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of neighbourhoods.

 

Featuring:

 

• Sarah Allan - Head of Architecture and Urban Design, MHCLG

• Cany Ash - Partner, Ash Sakula

• Jonathan Smales - CEO, Human Nature

• Wayne Hemingway - Partner, Hemingway Design

 

Followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.

 

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Afternoon

 

From 12:00, the Festival moves into an afternoon of workshops, walking tours, lunch, discussion and practical learning.

 

14:45 - Women & Girls: Designing Better Places

 

The afternoon programme returns to the main stage with a panel exploring how the design of our streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces can better respond to the experiences of women and girls.

 

Bringing together voices from across planning, design and placemaking, the discussion will consider safety, inclusion, accessibility and how a better understanding of lived experience can help create places that work for everyone.

 

Featuring:

 

Charlotte Morphet

Marina Milosev

Susan Leadbetter

Mei-Yee Man Oram

 

Chaired by Katie Fowler, East Suffolk Council, followed by audience Q&A.

 

15:45 - Marie Smith — West Suffolk Council

 

Marie Smith, West Suffolk Council, will also join us on the main stage to share local insight and experience from West Suffolk, bringing the day’s discussions back to the places, communities and opportunities within our own county.

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Festival Workshops

 

Workshops form a major part of this year’s Festival, giving delegates the opportunity to explore ideas in greater depth through discussion, practical sessions and walking tours.

 

Youth Engagement

Bonnie Kwok

Exploring how young people can have a meaningful voice in shaping the places in which they live.

 

Bury St Edmunds Heritage Tour

Chris Land

A walking tour exploring the heritage, character and evolution of Bury St Edmunds.

 

Shade Suffolk

Andy Love & Polly Turton

Exploring the role of shade, trees and climate-responsive design in creating resilient places.

 

Building Healthy Places

Andrew Crowe & Rosie Welch

Considering how the built environment can support healthier people, neighbourhoods and communities.

 

Preserving Local Identity & Heritage

Paulette McAllister

Exploring how local identity, character and heritage can positively shape new development.

 

The Apex & Arc Tour

Hopkins Architects

An opportunity to explore the design and development of The Apex and the surrounding arc development.

 

Workshop places are available to Festival ticket holders only and must be booked separately. Places are limited and subject to availability.

 

Workshop registration closes 1st September 2026.