The annual Festival of Debate has returned for the ninth time this week to bring discussions and lectures to venues in Sheffield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event is run by Opus Independence and hosts over 60 events with over 150 speakers making it the biggest political activist festival in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jonny Douglas, 42, a board member at Opus said: \u201cFestival of Debate has a desire to provide a platform, give voices to people, raise awareness around different topics to encourage discussions\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the next 12 weeks, discussions ranging from climate change, queer issues and economics will continue across the city free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The open programme targets all members of the public in Sheffield and South Yorkshire and aims to include all people to get involved with political debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asha Rai, 19, an attendee of the event said: \u201cIt\u2019s so important, if your not in a career that talk about social and economic issues, it\u2019s really interesting to still be able to get yourself involved in that side of things\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Douglas added how important it is to have an event of this nature in Sheffield, to diversify and open up opportunities for everyone to have access to academics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information about Festival of Debate and future events visit 2024 | Festival of Debate<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n