Excitement builds for Enlighten at Lichfield as new speakers join festival line-up
Alan Johnson, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton and returning broadcaster Nick Higham added to growing programme
With just weeks to go until Enlighten at Lichfield 2026, excitement is building as the festival announces a further slate of high-profile speakers joining its programme of conversations, debates and interviews.
Taking place from 2-4 October 2026 at Lichfield Cathedral, the festival brings together some of Britain’s leading thinkers, writers, journalists and public figures to explore the issues shaping our world today.
Following the announcement of headline speaker Jonathan Dimbleby, organisers are now delighted to reveal that former Home Secretary and bestselling author Alan Johnson will appear at the festival to discuss his acclaimed biography Harold Wilson: Twentieth Century Man.
One of Britain’s most respected political figures and memoirists, Johnson will reflect on the life and legacy of Harold Wilson, the Labour Prime Minister who won four general elections and helped shape modern Britain. Drawing on his own two decades in Parliament and five Cabinet roles, Johnson brings a unique perspective to the story of one of the twentieth century’s most influential political leaders.
The festival will also welcome Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, former SAS officer, humanitarian adviser and long-serving public servant, in conversation about his debut novel, Beyond the Edge of Light. Interviewed by broadcaster and journalist Nick Higham, Lowther-Pinkerton will explore how a life spent serving in conflict zones, supporting international humanitarian projects and operating at the very heart of public life has informed his transition to writing fiction.
Festival organisers are also delighted to welcome Nick Higham back to Enlighten following his appearance at the inaugural festival in 2025. One of Britain’s most respected broadcasters and interviewers, Higham will not only chair the conversation with Lowther-Pinkerton but will also interview acclaimed historian and biographer Anne Sebba about her powerful new book The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz.
Joining the festival as an interviewer and host is writer, broadcaster and public intellectual Lindsay Johns, who will lead conversations with Jonathan Dimbleby, Alan Johnson and Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason. Educated at Oxford and known for his thoughtful engagement with literature, culture and public life, Johns has built a reputation for bringing intellectual rigour, curiosity and humanity to public conversation. His work is rooted in exploring the shared human experience and finding common ground across difference, making him a natural fit for Enlighten’s commitment to meaningful dialogue.
These newly announced speakers join an already impressive programme that includes broadcaster and historian Jonathan Dimbleby, journalist and historian Sir Simon Jenkins, author and speaker Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, historian Anne Sebba, Fr Jamie Franklin, Bijan Omrani, Nick Spencer, The Revd Dr Gillian Straine and Nicky Burr.
Together, they will tackle a range of timely and thought-provoking subjects, from international affairs, politics and public life to faith, identity, race, history, healing and the future of society.
Canon Gregory Platten, Festival Director and Canon Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral, said:
“As we move closer to this year’s festival, we’re thrilled by the calibre and breadth of voices joining us at Enlighten. The programme brings together politicians, historians, journalists, authors, theologians and cultural commentators, all contributing to conversations that are challenging, inspiring and deeply relevant to the world we live in today.
What makes Enlighten distinctive is not simply the quality of the speakers, but the opportunity for audiences to engage with big ideas in an atmosphere of curiosity, generosity and thoughtful discussion. We would love people to join us and become part of the conversation.”
Rooted in Lichfield’s historic tradition of learning, debate and intellectual discovery, Enlighten continues to establish itself as a significant new festival of ideas, attracting nationally recognised speakers to the heart of Staffordshire.
With tickets already selling strongly across the programme, organisers are encouraging audiences to book early to avoid disappointment.
Enlighten at Lichfield takes place from 2-4 October 2026.
To view the full programme and book tickets, visit: www.enlighten-lichfield.org