A brand new festival Big Brue will debut this September in Bruton, Somerset featuring a line-up of big thinkers with differing views, consciously curated for lively debate.

Created by founders Mariella Frostrup, Jason McCue, Catherine Fairweather and Eleanor O’Keeffe, Big Brue is a new kind of festival, bringing people together from all polarities through open, thoughtful conversation.

The team says they firmly believe that progress comes from difference and disagreement, so they are here to stir things up and help make sense of the world!

Speakers include Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Bob Geldof KBE, George Osborne, Misha Glenny, Kirsty Lang, Danny Kruger MP, Ben Goldsmith, Prof Peter Frankopan, Sir Don McCullin, Julia Samuel, Mariella Frostrup, Dominic West, Carlos Acosta, Alice Temperley MBE, Esther Freud, Helen Fielding and William Dalrymple, with further names to be announced.

The festival is working closely with local schools to shape its programme, connecting education, creativity and future opportunities in a meaningful way.

Keynotes & Big Issues — headline conversations addressing major global themes, from politics and identity to climate and culture.

Community & Workshops — interactive sessions, performances and activities for local audiences, schools and young people.

The Hub — a central gathering space featuring live music, food, informal events and an open “Speakers’ Corner” platform for audiences and participants.

Entertainment and Wellbeing – the festival will be animated by live music, curated by Danny Goffey (Supergrass), with contributions from local musicians, schools and visiting artists and the opportunity to explore work by local producers and makers.