Living Freedom Summer School 2026

This year’s Living Freedom Summer School – the annual three-day residential event organised by Ideas Matter – is approaching fast. To attend, you must apply before Tuesday 26 May.

Living Freedom will take place in central London from 9 to 11 July. You will join around 80 young people from Britain, Europe and beyond, to explore ideas and ideals associated with freedom – then and now. Anyone aged between 18 and 30 can apply.

We’ll explore the biggest political and cultural questions of our time. What is a citizen? Can populism help us voice demands for freedom? Must a free society tolerate intolerance? Does the UK need a US-style First Amendment? When culture is so politicised, how can we defend artistic freedom? And much more.

There will be lectures, panel debates and workshops led by our brilliant line-up of thinkers, authors, critics and campaigners – including Frank Furedi, Ella Whelan, Nigel Biggar, Rosie Kay and Timandra Harkness. And the debate and socialising will continue long into the evening over dinner and drinks.

Let’s face it, nowadays freedom is often cast as harmful or risky. There are now endless calls and actions that result in our choices and moral independence being constrained or sacrificed. That’s why there has never been a more important time to get to grips – intellectually – with the challenges facing freedom and exploring what opportunities there are for revitalising it.

That is why we are so keen that every young freedom lover with a passion for ideas and a thirst for debate should come to Living Freedom. To make that happen, we are subsidising all participants. Our heavily subsidised scholarship scheme means that all those selected to attend will pay just £50 – which includes central London accommodation.

Apply now and start to get to grips with the challenge of renewing freedom for the 21st century.

Find out more and apply here.

Living Freedom Summer School
Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 July, central London
Deadline for applications: 26 May