
21st Century Social Clubs: Annual Conference 2026
10am - 5pm
Redhills Durham
Following last year’s success we’re really excited to announce that 2026’s event will take place on Thursday 10th September at Redhills Durham. Originally known as Durham Miners’ Hall, it has recently reopened after a £14m renovation, and the beautifully restored “Pitman's Parliament” will be the main space for our mid-week conference.
This year’s event will build on the progress from last year, including new research, meeting government ministers and visiting No.10, launching a new report calling for a 21st Century Social Club Charter, recognition in the Government’s £5bn Pride in Place strategy, and our national crowdfunding campaign.
If you’re interested in revitalising the legacy and relevance of social clubs across Britain, book your place to join club members, policymakers, charities, and funders to explore how existing and new social clubs can address today’s pressing social and economic challenges.
Tickets
£30 / £60 + VAT
We have a two-tier pricing system:
£30+VAT for club members
£60+VAT for other organisations
Click below to select the appropriate tier and secure your tickets:
Programme
Here’s the running order for the day:
10.35 - 10.45 / Keynote
Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian
10.45 - 11.30 / 21st Century Social Clubs – Showcase
▪ Elmfield Social Club
▪ Metro Sports & Social Club
▪ Walthamstow Trades Hall
▪ Sacriston WMC
11.45 - 12.30 / The role of social clubs in neighbourhood renewal
Chaired by Kirsty McNeill MP
▪ Izzy Andrewes, Rotherham Borough Council/Ownership Hub
▪ John Tomaney, UCL Bartlett Planning School
▪ Farah Elahi, This Day Foundation
12.30 - 12.45 / Keynote
Ruth Cherrington
12.45 - 13.45 / Exhibition
▪ Ian Howarth Photography
▪ Memorabilia
▪ NITE School
13.45 - 2.00 / Keynote
Emma Foody, MP for Cramlington and Killingworth
2.00 - 2.45pm / Reactivating the ‘circuit’ for inclusive arts and culture
▪ Geoff Rowe, Live Comedy Association
▪ Madeleine Blyth, Music Venue Trust
▪ Chris McHugh, RISE associates
3pm - 3.45pm / Unlocking Social Clubs: Launching a five-year programme
▪ Ali Torabi, Solidarity Fund, National Lottery
▪ Dan Firth, Centre for Community Organising
▪ Ellie Radcliffe, Power to Change
3.45 - 6pm / Drinks Reception
DJ: The Brokers (Nite School)
Who’s it for?
Social club members and managers
Policymakers and funders
Civil society organisations and researchers
Heritage bodies and built environment
Sponsors




If you’re interested in finding out more, email our team on contact@21stcenturysocialclubs.com

