This Is The North: 2026 - People's Powerhouse Annual Convention

Nothing. Tickets are free - you just need to register on Eventbrite so we know how many people to cater for. If the cost of getting to Scarborough is what is stopping you, we can help with that too.

Our convention website is updated daily with the latest news, updates and details regarding the day: peoplespowerhouse.app/convention

How we create a North that's GREAT for everyone. Through inspiring talks, interactive workshops and honest conversations, we'll explore how communities flourish, how power can be shared more fairly, and how we create meaningful change together.

People from every walk of life who share one thing in common: they care about the North. Expect local people, community groups, charities, businesses, public services, funders, politicians, researchers and changemakers, all coming together to listen, connect and shape ideas together.

It is People's Powerhouse's annual convention - a one-day gathering where people of the North celebrate the North, and all the activity happening WITH people rather than TO them. It is people-powered and politically neutral, with local voices at the heart of every conversation. The question running through the whole day is a simple one: how do we create a North that's GREAT for everyone?

Anyone with a stake in the North. Community members and grassroots organisers, voluntary and community sector organisations, councillors and council officers, NHS and public health colleagues, housing providers, funders, researchers, artists and businesses. You do not need to represent an organisation to come - if you care about the North, this is for you.

No. The day is long by design so that people can dip in and out around work, caring and travel. Plenty of people come for the morning, the afternoon, or just the evening celebration. That said, the day is built as a journey - it opens with community voices and closes with the North celebrating itself - so stay for all of it if you can.

The Spa sits on the South Bay seafront, a short walk from Scarborough town centre and the railway station. There are direct rail services from Leeds, York, Hull and Manchester. The full address is Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough YO11 2HD. There is a map and a directions link further down our convention page.

Yes. There is a 360 degree virtual tour of Scarborough Spa on this page - you can walk through the Grand Hall and the seafront before you travel.

Scarborough Spa is a Victorian building across several levels. There is step-free access and lifts, accessible toilets, a hearing loop and accessible parking. If you have an access requirement, email people@peoplespowerhouse.org.uk and we will make sure it is sorted before you arrive.

Yes. Refreshments and a pastry on arrival from 09:00, lunch during the middle of the day, and a free locally-sourced buffet during the evening celebration, courtesy of People's Powerhouse.

Yes. Please tell us when you book, or email people@peoplespowerhouse.org.uk at least 14 days before the convention, and we will pass it to the caterers. We routinely cater for vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and common allergies.

Come as you are - there is no dress code and most people are comfortable and casual. Bring something warm and waterproof if you fancy the coastal walk or the sea swim during the Scarborough Siesta, and swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in the water. Otherwise just yourself.

A nod to theatre in the round - the staging form pioneered in Scarborough at the Stephen Joseph Theatre - and to the commissioned theatre performance that opens the day, which follows the same method. The audience is part of the performance, not sat watching it.

A ninety-minute stretch in the middle of the afternoon where you design how you spend your time. Take part in Legislative Theatre, go for a coastal walk or a sea swim with Scarborough Sea Pool CIC, play lawn games, join a cultural workshop, network, or simply sit by the sea and think.

Yes please, if you have already booked. Choose your workshops on this page - a first choice and a backup for the morning, and again for the afternoon. Places are first come, first served, so the sooner you choose the more likely you are to get your first pick, and the backup lets us still get you into a room you wanted if one fills up. Changed your mind? Fill it in again with the same email address. Popular sessions are also repeated during the evening as Pints and Knowledge.

It is politically neutral. We work with people from every party and none, and with institutions as well as communities. The convention is about how decisions get made and who gets to make them, not about party politics.

There will be photography and filming during the day for People's Powerhouse's own reporting and communications. If you would prefer not to appear, please tell a member of the team at registration and we will make sure of it.

Yes please - we are still building the day with people. We are looking for panel contributors, workshop facilitators, performers for the Culture Zone and the Evening Celebration, and organisations for the Marketplace. Use the “Tell us how you'd like to contribute” form further down this page.

Yes. We hold a fund for travel and other costs of getting to the day, because a room is only as good as who is in it. There is no means test and no paperwork - we take you at your word, and it stays between us. Ask for help with costs on our bursary page.

We would like to hear from you. Email people@peoplespowerhouse.org.uk and tell us a little about your organisation and what you have in mind.

Email people@peoplespowerhouse.org.uk and someone from the team will come back to you. You can also find the full programme, venue details and the virtual tour on this page.