Festival of Ideas 2026

A full-day, in-person event exploring self-knowledge, friendship, emotional intelligence and meaningful connection through talks, workshops, creative experiences, conversation, food and music.

The event takes place on Sunday, 13 September 2026, from 9:30am to 6:30pm BST, at Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0NA.

Yes. All attendees must be 18 or over.

Absolutely. Many guests attend alone, and the day is designed to feel warm, sociable and welcoming.

Your ticket includes full-day event access, talks and workshops, breakfast, lunch, refreshments and a gift bag.

The event runs from 9:30am to 6:30pm and is arranged around three themed session blocks. Every attendee will take part in one session per block:

Part I — Know Yourself. Sessions include Emotional Education with Alain de Botton, On Anxiety, Speed Meeting: Know Yourself, and Writing as Therapy.

Part II — Connection. Sessions include Attachment Theory with Alain de Botton, On Loneliness, Speed Meeting: Friendship, and Connection at Work: The Secret Lives of Our Colleagues.

Part III — Happiness & Meaning. Sessions include On Failure with Alain de Botton, Speed Meeting: Small Pleasures, The School of Life Psychological Disco, and Drawing as Therapy.

After booking, you’ll receive your e-ticket, then an email from us to choose your optional sessions. You’ll be invited to rank your preferred sessions for each part of the day.

Not always. Some sessions have limited capacity, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend completing the form early.

If you haven’t completed it by 31 August 2026, we’ll allocate your sessions for you.

You’ll be able to share your preferred sessions through the selection form sent after booking. Sessions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and some have limited capacity. Once your final agenda has been sent to you, we won’t be able to make changes. Please contact customer services if you have any questions about your schedule. 

A playful experience combining music, dancing, reflection and emotional openness. There’s no pressure to perform, you can dance, observe or take part however feels comfortable.

Yes. Breakfast, lunch and alcohol-free refreshments are included.

Lunch will be served buffet-style and will include a selection of sandwiches, a seasonal salad, and a sweet treat to finish.

No. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments are included with your ticket. A paid bar will be available for guests who would like to purchase drinks at the reception from 17:00 – 18:30. 

Please share any dietary requirements when booking. We’ll do our best to help, though we can’t guarantee every request. If you have severe allergies, we recommend bringing your own refreshments.

No. Please come as you are.

No. We don’t record our live events, so guests can speak and participate openly and comfortably. Please note that photographs will be taken during the event for marketing purposes.

Tickets are priced from £210 to £360, depending on ticket type and membership status. All prices exclude ticketing fees.

Yes. The event has a total capacity of 300 guests, and each ticket type has a limited allocation. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Early Bird tickets are available only to paid Community Members during the Early Bird sales window, while availability lasts.

Member pricing is not available during a free trial. Once your trial converts to a paid membership, you’ll be able to access the relevant member price, subject to availability.

If you would like to convert your free trial to a full membership before your trial ends, please contact [email protected] who can assist you.

Community Members receive an exclusive gift bag worth over £110, a signed copy of a School of Life book, access to a Members’ area, reserved Member seating, and 20% off The School of Life shop at the event.

Yes, if you’re buying a public General Admission ticket. Member tickets are for personal use only.

Your ticket will be sent by email after booking. No physical tickets will be issued.

Please bring your digital e-ticket on a charged mobile device. All writing material will be provided.  

No. We’re not able to hold or reserve places before booking.

Ticket transfers are generally possible at no extra cost, but not within 30 days of the event. Member-exclusive tickets are non-transferable.

You can request a refund within 14 days of booking your ticket, up to 30 days before the event. Tickets are non-refundable within 30 days of the event.

The venue is not fully accessible. For Disabled Access, there is an accessible entrance off the street via the Sessions Arts Club entrance. Guests can then use the lift up to Old Sessions House. Please note that the bar is not accessible as it requires the use of a few steps. There is no accessible parking available. There is one accessible bathroom on the ground floor. Please let us know about any accessibility requirements when booking. If your attendance depends on a specific accessibility requirement, contact [email protected] in advance.

The day is designed to be welcoming and flexible, with quiet spaces available if you need a break. 

Old Sessions House is located in Clerkenwell, Central London. The nearest stations are Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Elizabeth Line) and Chancery Lane (Central Line), both approximately an 8-minute walk from the venue. Barbican station is also within a 10-minute walk. The venue is well served by local bus routes, and taxis and ride-hailing services can access surrounding streets. 

There are no parking spaces available at the Venue.

Yes. The School of Life shop will be open at the event, with an event discount available: 20% off for Community Members and 10% off for Content Members and non-members.

Arrival is from 9:30am, with the welcome beginning at 10:30am. We recommend arriving in good time so you can check in and get settled before the event begins. If you arrive late, you will still be able to access the venue, but please note that entry may be managed to minimise disruption once the welcome talk has started at 10:30 am.

Yes, there will be a cloakroom available at the venue.

Please contact [email protected]. We aim to respond within 48 hours during the working week.