The Margaret Thatcher Centre Freedom Festival

About this event

In Partnership with: The Freedom Association and the University of Buckingham

Don't miss this unmissable two-day celebration of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law – the core principles that defined Margaret Thatcher's extraordinary legacy!

Following the tremendous success of past Freedom Festivals - which all featured a stellar line-up of speakers, insightful panels, and a gala dinner at The Villiers Hotel - we are thrilled to bring back this flagship conference in March 2026.

Open to individuals of all ages, including students, this inspiring weekend offers:

• thought-provoking talks and discussions from leading modern-day influencers and successful entrepreneurs
• fresh perspectives on Margaret Thatcher's life, values, and achievements
• a unique blend of educational sessions and practical insights into promoting freedom in today's world
• networking opportunities with like-minded attendees passionate about Thatcherite ideals
• a full programme across two days, including conference sessions and a gala dinner

Whether you are a student eager to learn, a professional seeking inspiration, or someone committed to defending liberty and enterprise, this event will equip and motivate you to carry forward these vital ideas.

The conference will begin with registration at 9.30am on Saturday 21 March, and sessions will run from 10am until 6.15pm. Guests who have purchased a ticket that includes dinner will head to The Villiers for the pre-dinner drinks reception, and dinner will start promptly at 7pm.
Sunday will begin with tea & coffee at 9.30am, and sessions will run from 10am to 1pm.

We are delighted to confirm the following speakers:

• The Rt Hon The Lord Frost CMG PC, Institute of Economic Affairs
• Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Business & Trade Secretary
• The Lord Hannan of Kingsclere, The Institute for Free Trade
• Greg Smith MP, Mid-Buckinghamshire
• Jack Rankin MP, Windsor
• Peter Bedford MP, Mid-Leicestershire
• Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
• Allison Pearson, The Daily Telegraph
• Nana Akua, GB News
• Will Yarwood, The TaxPayers' Alliance
• Graham Linehan, Writer & Free Speech Activist
• Tom Harwood, GB News
• Professor Eric Kaufmann, University of Buckingham 
• Mark Littlewood, Popular Conservatism
• Gawain Towler, Reform UK
• Jonathan Brown, Centre for a Better Britain
• Emma Trimble, Writer & Broadcaster
• Dan Wootton, Broadcaster & Journalist
• Dr Ted Bromund, New Lines Institute
• Preston Byrne, Byrne & Storm PC
• Fred de Fossard, Prosperity Institute
• David Campbell-Bannerman, The Freedom Association
• James Price, Adam Smith Institute
• Peter Just, Author & Historian
• Lucy Connolly, Free Speech Advocate
• Laila Cunningham, Reform UK
• Giles Dilnot, ConservativeHome
• The Rt Hon Sir Conor Burns, The Margaret Thatcher Centre
• Elliott Mears, Centre for Policy Studies
• Tim Montgomerie, ConservativeHome.com
• The Rt Hon Mr Mark Francois, MP,  Rayleigh & Wickford

Tickets are likely to sell out quickly:

• Full Freedom Festival Two-Day Pass
  (NO ACCOMMODATION)
  (includes 2-day pass to the conference plus refreshments and sandwich lunch (Saturday only), pre-dinner drinks reception & three-course gala dinner): £95 (£25 for students in full-time education)
  
  
• Conference Only Freedom Festival Two-Day Pass
  (NO DRINKS RECEPTION, DINNER OR ACCOMMODATION)
  (conference only, including tea/coffee upon arrival, mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and Saturday sandwich lunch): £35 (£15 for students in full-time education)

Buckingham is 50 miles from London and 20 miles from Oxford. It is easily accessible by road and rail. Travel subsidies will be available upon application to students in full-time education. (Car Shares).

ACCOMMODATION

Cost-effective accommodation may be available nearby at:

• The White Hart Hotel (8 minutes' walk from the Vinson Centre)
• The Travelodge Hotel (5 minutes' drive from the Vinson Centre)
• The Premier Inn (5 minutes' drive from the Vinson Centre)

Priority will be given to those who have attended past events hosted by the Margaret Thatcher Centre and its supporters.

The dress code for both conference and dinner is business attire.

Right of admission is reserved.

"More than they wanted freedom, the Athenians wanted security. Yet they lost everything—security, comfort, and freedom. This was because they wanted not to give to society, but for society to give to them. The freedom they were seeking was freedom from responsibility. It is no wonder, then, that they ceased to be free.“ - Margaret Thatcher, The Moral Foundations of Society, Imprimis, March 1995.

Join us at the Vinson Centre and be part of the movement preserving Margaret Thatcher's enduring vision for a freer, stronger Britain. Limited places – book now!

Contact gemma.baldock@thatchercentre.com for further details or with any questions.