The festival runs from 13 to 20 November 2026 at venues across Bristol.
This year's theme, “A Brave New World?”, will examine the economic impact of artificial intelligence, automation, ageing populations, migration and social change, asking whether these transformations are laying the foundations for future prosperity or creating new risks for society.
Hosted in partnership with leading academic institutions and economic organisations including the University of Bristol, the festival aims to make economics accessible to everyone through a programme of lectures, debates, workshops and audience discussions.
Topics will include inflation and monetary policy, the long-term impact of Brexit, energy security, demographics, immigration and the future of work.
Highlights from the programme include a discussion on whether regional devolution of power away from Westminster, one of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s core policies, can help level up the UK, and the annual Marshall Paley Lecture, which Alan Manning will deliver this year on immigration policy.
The Festival of Economics welcomes everyone with an interest in understanding the forces shaping the economy and society, from students and business leaders to policymakers and local residents.
Professor Sarah Smith, Professor of Economics at the University of Bristol and co-director of the Festival, said: “The issues being discussed at this year's Festival demonstrate just how important and relevant economics is to people's everyday lives. We're looking forward to some lively debates with experts, policymakers, students, and members of the public.”