Futures Festival 2026
making life choices exciting, accessible and full of possibilities
Video Credit: Visuals by Keino
Futures Fest 2026 put young people at the centre of a day full of opportunity, creativity and inspiration, bringing together 140 students from Ark Evelyn Grace Academy and 30 incredible organisations to explore what their futures could hold.
Delivered in partnership with North Brixton Big Local and Lambeth Council, the event gave Year 9 and 10 students the chance to try new activities, build confidence, and connect with local services and employers. Across the day, students accessed an impressive 327 opportunities, opening doors to new experiences and support.
The festival opened with an energising and thought-provoking keynote from Kheron Gilpin, Youth Engagement Specialist at Progress Today. His talk, “Learning is Earning: Two Sides of the Same Coin,” explored how lifelong learning can drive income, impact and influence. Our special thanks to Kheron for inspiring students to recognise their value and believe in their potential.
Futures Festival connects young people to the people, experiences and support they need to move forward with confidence. Alongside pathways into education and employment, it brings together local services across health, wellbeing and enrichment, ensuring young people can access the right support at the right time.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the 30 exhibitors who joined us on the day. From local youth services and education providers to cultural organisations and national employers, your presence made the festival a truly valuable experience for every young person who attended.
Learning by doing
One of the standout highlights of the day was the diverse range of interactive workshops, giving young people the opportunity to learn by doing. These hands-on sessions supported the development of practical skills, confidence and self-expression, while helping students explore new interests in an engaging and accessible way.
Activities included:
Podcasting with Rachael Palmer
Gaming with Esports Youth Club
Boxing with England Boxing
Beauty with Beauty by Chaela & Simply Beauty Pamper Service
Finance Building Blocks with NatWest
Careers, Skills & Pathways into Finance with Temi Ladega & Jashan Miller
H4RT: The Rhythm Challenge with Caram'el in the Dance Studio
Performances by Mello and Righteous Reck, made possible by Tracks on Tap
Photography Credit: Francis Augusto
Why Futures Fest Matters
Futures Fest creates a space where young people can ask questions, try new things, and build the confidence to take their next steps. On the day, students signed up to 327 opportunities, an average of 3.5 per student, and rated the event 8.3 out of 10. Feedback also showed increased awareness of local support services, improved understanding of future pathways, and greater confidence in achieving their goals.
Thank you for supporting our mission to put young futures centre stage
We’re grateful to Ark Evelyn Grace Academy for partnering with us to make Futures Fest possible and for creating a space where young people could engage, explore and grow in confidence. Thank you to every exhibitor and workshop lead who shared their time, expertise and energy with students throughout the day. And thank you to Lambeth Made and North Brixton Big Local for investing in opportunities that help young people see what is possible for their futures.
Get Involved with spiral skills
👉 Young People: Want to stay in the know about upcoming events, programmes, and support from Spiral Skills? Sign up to ouropportunity newsletter, or follow us it’s the best way to hear what’s coming up.
👉 Partners & Employers: Want to showcase your opportunities or services? Sign up to our monthly newsletter or get in touch with our team to find out more.
👉 Sponsors: Be part of shaping the next generation by sponsoring Futures Festival and helping young people access the opportunities they deserve. Contact Emma Allen on emma@spiralskills.co.uk to find out more
