Join trade union learning representatives, activists, educators and lifelong learning champions from across the Midlands for the TUC Midlands Festival of Learning 2026.

This year's Festival celebrates the power of learning to transform lives, strengthen workplaces and build more inclusive communities. Bringing together inspiring speakers, practical workshops and opportunities to network, the event will explore how learning can support creativity, digital inclusion, equality, sustainability and workplace organising.

The day will open with a keynote address from Ayan Aden, Birmingham's Poet Laureate, who will share her experiences as a poet, cultural strategist and community activist, alongside some of her acclaimed work exploring identity, belonging and social change.

Other featured speakers include:

• Ben McManus, Director of Wavemaker Education, on tackling digital exclusion and how unions can help members develop the confidence, skills and access needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
• Nimo Hirsi, Community activist and award-winning educator, speaking about neurodiversity, lived experience, and how we can better support neurodiverse people in education, workplaces and wider society.
• Dr Carlette Norwood, founder of Birmingham Black Box Theatre, exploring the role of trade unions in the creative industries and asking how we build fairer, more inclusive careers for creative workers.

Delegates will be able to choose from a range of interactive workshops throughout the day, including:

• AI Life Hacks and Using AI for Your Union Work with Adrian Ryan and Rupinder Panesar, offering practical tools to support organising, communication and campaigning.
• Muslim Safety Net: Responding to Anti-Muslim Hate and Gendered Islamophobia with Neelam Rose and Rizwana Bi from Muslim Women's Network UK.
• Gaslighting in the Workplace with author and lawyer Abda Khan.
• Culturally Sensitive Communication and Avoiding Cultural Appropriation with Abda Khan.
• Upcycling for Change: Rethinking Fashion Through Creativity with sustainability educator Maya Patel.

The Festival will conclude with a panel discussion examining the importance of creativity, culture and lifelong learning within the trade union movement, bringing together speakers from across the day's programme.

Whether you are a Union Learning Representative, workplace rep, equality activist, education practitioner or simply passionate about learning and personal development, this event offers an excellent opportunity to gain new skills, exchange ideas and be inspired by the experiences of others.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided, alongside opportunities to meet learning providers, partner organisations and representatives from the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Places are free but booking is essential.