At the centre of York Festival of Ideas is a belief that education and ideas have the power to transform lives.

That’s why we feel passionately that everyone across the world should have free access to ideas, as well as an opportunity to learn, explore and discuss those ideas together in a safe and welcoming environment.

If you share our belief that everyone should have free access to ideas, please consider supporting York Festival of Ideas with a donation today.

York Festival of Ideas is one of the largest free festivals of its kind in the UK, offering around 200 diverse and inspiring events each year. Over the last decade, the Festival has reached hundreds of thousands of people. In particular, the introduction of a hybrid model with both in-person and online events means the Festival is now able to attract a growing regional, national and global audience. 

To ensure York Festival of Ideas continues to thrive, we need your support.

Whether you are a seasoned York Festival of Ideas attendee, or are new to the Festival, we would really value your contribution. Your donation will go a long way towards helping us to continue to deliver an inspiring programme of events for free.

If you share our belief in the power of ideas to educate, entertain and inspire, please support us today. Thank you.

As well as providing hundreds of free events each year, York Festival of Ideas works with specific groups, to provide opportunities for creative exploration of ideas. By supporting us, you are helping us to work with more people locally and across the globe, giving them the freedom to express their ideas and to learn about different perspectives in a supportive environment. In 2024, for example, we offered interactive archaeology handling sessions for blind and partially sighted people, and delivered a space-themed session at a York community centre for 40 children who receive free school meals.  

Donations of any size are hugely appreciated and 100% of everything you give will go directly to supporting York Festival of Ideas. If you would like to consider making a contribution of over £1,000, please contact edward.joyner@york.ac.uk so we can ensure your gift is used in the most impactful way possible.

The York Festival of Ideas 2025 programme will be available to view from 2 May at yorkfestivalofideas.com.