Broadcaster, historians, theologians, journalists and cultural commentators to explore faith, identity, healing, race, music, history and global affairs
Jonathan Dimbleby to headline Enlighten at Lichfield 2026 as festival of ideas returns
Following a successful inaugural year, Enlighten at Lichfield returns from 2-4 October 2026, bringing a diverse range of leading thinkers, authors, journalists and public intellectuals to Lichfield Cathedral for a weekend of thought-provoking conversation, debate and reflection.
Taking place across Lichfield Cathedral and The Close, Enlighten creates space for meaningful dialogue around some of today’s most challenging questions, exploring faith, culture, politics, history, identity and the future of society through a programme designed to inform, inspire and challenge.
This year’s headline speaker is Jonathan Dimbleby, historian, author and one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters. Dimbleby will reflect on the updated edition of The Palestinians, arguing that any lasting hope for peace requires an honest reckoning with the human tragedy of a people left without a homeland.
The 2026 programme also features a distinguished line-up of speakers addressing a wide range of contemporary issues.
In Keeping the Faith: Can Christianity Save the West?, theologian and podcaster Fr Jamie Franklin, legal historian Bijan Omrani and Theos researcher Nick Spencer will debate whether Christianity remains essential to the moral and cultural foundations of Western society, and how its wisdom might help navigate the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Historian Sir Simon Jenkins, former editor of The Times, brings his characteristic insight to Making Sense of America, exploring the historical forces that have shaped the United States and examining what today’s political divisions reveal about the future of democracy and the international order.
The relationship between music, memory and healing will be explored by Professor Alana Harris in Music as Medicine and Balm for the Soul, uncovering the remarkable story of a pioneering music therapy programme that transformed psychiatric care in post-war Britain.
Acclaimed author and speaker Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason presents To be Young, Gifted, and Black, a powerful reflection on race, creativity and belonging. Drawing on her experiences as the mother of seven internationally recognised musicians, including cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, she explores what it means to nurture talent and resilience in a world where Black achievement continues to encounter barriers and prejudice.
The festival will also host Gender, Healing and a Different Kind of Conversation, featuring The Revd Dr Gillian Straine and Nicky Burr. Together they offer a compassionate and thoughtful exploration of identity, faith, healing and belonging, modelling a different approach to difficult conversations through listening, understanding and shared humanity.
Meanwhile, bestselling historian and biographer Anne Sebba will discuss her latest work, The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz, telling the extraordinary story of the all-female orchestra formed within Auschwitz and examining the moral complexities of survival, resistance and the enduring power of music amidst unimaginable suffering.
Canon Gregory Platten, Canon Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Enlighten back for its second year.
Enlighten exists to create space for curiosity, respectful disagreement and genuine dialogue. We want people to encounter new ideas, engage with different perspectives and leave inspired to think more deeply about the issues that shape our lives and communities.”
Rooted in Lichfield’s rich tradition of learning and public discourse, associated with figures such as Samuel Johnson, Erasmus Darwin and David Garrick, Enlighten seeks to continue the city’s intellectual heritage by creating opportunities for open conversation in a welcoming and historic setting.
Enlighten at Lichfield takes place from 2-4 October 2026 at Lichfield Cathedral and venues across The Close.
For tickets and the full programme, click here.
Photo credit: Thomas Purkis
