EVENT SCHEDULE

Margate • 9–10 July 2025

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SPEAKER ALERTS

NEWSLETTER

KEY EVENT DATES AND TIMES.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JULY - GET INSPIRED & GET INVOLVED

Presenting an unforgettable celebration of bold thinking, fresh ideas, and the creative energy shaping our world—set against the vibrant backdrop of Margate. Under this year’s theme, "Creativity Reigns Supreme," we champion imagination, authenticity, and integrity in an era dominated by data and measurement.

14:00 - 20:00 | Accreditation & Drinks on the Beach
Ease into the festival vibes with a seaside drink whilst grabbing your badge.

14:00 - 17:00 | TheArtSchool (18+ students or talent with under 3 years professional experience)

Creative Director Graham Fink will be hosting his legendary TheArtSchool, the first in 15 years! More secret society than syllabus, TheArtSchool has one mission: to shake students out of the classroom and into the real world.

Find out more and sign up here

15:00 - 17:00 | Sandcastle Showdown
It’s time to dig deep and build bold. Enter our first-ever Sandcastle Competition and show us how creative you can get with just a bucket and spade. Prizes for the most jaw-dropping build!

16:30 – 20:30 | Drop in cold plunge & Sauna (18+)Wind down and enjoy the cold plunge and sauna facilities with stunning sea views.

18:00 – 21:00 | Get Savvy – Creative Town Hall

How do great ideas become real? Join Nils Leonard, Graham Fink and more special guests to explore the creative power of savvy thinking.

21:30 – 02:00 | The Opening Party @ Faith in Strangers (18+)
Let loose, connect, and kick things off in true UKCF style at one of Margate’s coolest spots.

THURSDAY 10TH JULY - IDEAS. INSPIRATION. IMPACT.

Join us at Dreamland and hear from leading creatives and brands from across the creative industries, join the emerging talent in taking part in expertly run workshops, speed mentoring and Q&A sessions whilst connecting with the industries most celebrated minds.

09:30 | Doors open at Dreamland

10:00 - 15:30 | Talks, Panels & more

This year’s UK Creative Festival celebrates the unmatched power of creative thinking as the driving force behind innovation, leadership and problem solving. Explore the theme, topics and speakers here.

10:00 - 15:30 | Careers Fair

Meet leading companies from across the creative industries and take part in expertly run workshops and Q&A sessions. This is your 'not-to-be-missed' opportunity to meet and network with the UK creative scene.

13:00 - 14:00 | Talent Awards & Networking

Connect with industry peers, future collaborators and creative minds, and celebrate the rising stars who are redefining the creative landscape.

3 sessions | Speed Mentoring with emerging talent.
Join one of fast-paced, interactive sessions which are designed to boost confidence, spark inspiration, and energise young creatives before diving back into the festival.
By encouraging easy, meaningful exchanges, the sessions fuels curiosity, build networking confidence, and with send participants back into the festival feeling ready to connect and create!

15:30 | UK Creative Festival Drinks and Networking

Wind down from a day of exciting talks and panels, and enjoy a drink with fellow creatives from across the industry.

18:30 - 22.30 | 2025 Creative Circle Awards - (Awards ticket holder only)

Celebrate 80 years of the Creative Circle and find out who is taking home the biggest awards of the night.

22:30 | Official 2025 Creative Circle Afterparty - (Awards ticket holder only)

We're not finished yet! Head to Cinq Ports for the legendary Creative Circle Awards after party. What happens in Margate...!

Whether you're here to be inspired, connect, or inspire the next gen, the UK Creative Festival 2025 promises to reignite your creative spark.

CREATIVITY REIGNS SUPREME — AND YOU’RE HOLDING THE CROWN.

FULL SCHEDULE & VENUE LISTING COMING SOON

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SCHEDULE ALERTS

Filter by day

Thu 10thWed 9th

Location

around Margateat Dreamland

14:00 - 18:00

Wed 9th

Sea Shed

around Margate

Host: CJ. Speakers: Nils Leonard, Graham Fink, Laura JB

How do great ideas become real? This Creative Town Hall will help equip creatives with the savviness to get their ideas over the line, featuring Uncommon’s Nils Leonard and legendary Creative Director, multimedia artist Graham Fink and entrepreneur, founder and artist, Laura JB. Hear from the creatives behind some of the most talked about campaigns of the year and join the discussion on how creatives need to value themselves and their ideas as a business commodity to elevate the creative presence at the top table. The CTH is an ongoing series of events from the Creative Circle, in partnership with Global Media, designed to provide the creative community with a space to discuss what inspires and impacts them. All with the aim to better our work, our people and our industry.

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18+

20:30 - 22:30

Wed 9th

No: 42 Rooftop

around Margate

SPARKS YOUNG TALENT RECEPTION

Invite only. Hosted by Sparks

Session details to be announced soon

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21:00 - 00:30

Wed 9th

Faith In Strangers

around Margate

UKCF OFFICIAL OPENING PARTY

Hosts: The UK Creative Festival team

Let loose and mingle at the legendary, official UKCF opening party at Faith & Strangers

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18+

07:00 - 08:00

Thu 10th

Sea Shed

around Margate

GIRLHIKE

Host: Alaina Crystal

Want to start your day feeling calm and connected? Join feminist strategist and hike guide Alaina Crystal for a morning beach hike to refresh you before the festival begins. We welcome all girlies and their pals for this gentle hike, which will incorporate guided meditation and mindful walking in community. By attending, you affirm: 1. that by taking part in outdoor activities with girlhike, there is a risk element that I accept. I affirm I have the medical fitness to take part in this activity. I assume the responsibility of keeping myself safe - such as, but not limited to: being careful when walking on slippery surfaces. 2. I will bring any medical supplies I may require along the hike. girlhike cannot provide nurofen, paracetamol, inhalers, or administer epi pens. I agree to communicate fully with Alaina Crystal, girlhike guide, about any health concerns that may arise. 3. I give my permission to Alaina Crystal to seek emergency medical diagnosis or treatment for me in the event that I am unconscious or unable to make my own decisions. Alaina's role will be limited to emergency first‐aid and either transportation to the nearest medical facility or contacting such a facility to arrange emergency transport.

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18+

07:30 - 08:30

Thu 10th

Main Sands Sauna

around Margate

MORNING MOVEMENT, PLUNGE & SAUNA

Host: Charlotte Ellis

Ease into the day with gentle yoga, an optional sea dip or plunge pool reset, and time to unwind in the sauna. Move, breathe, and recharge for the day ahead — your creative warm-up starts here.

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18+

09:30

Thu 10th

All venues

at Dreamland

DOORS OPEN

Hosts: The UK Creative Festival team

Join us at Dreamland as our day kicks off.

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09:30 - 15:30

Thu 10th

Main Concourse

at Dreamland

BEST OF BRITISH CREATIVITY EXHIBITION

Hosted by the UK Creative Festival, this exhibition will feature all of the work from this year's Creative Circle Awards 2025 shortlist.

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09:55 - 10:00

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

WELCOME TO UKCF, OPENING REMARKS.

Hosts: Dina Green & Shaniqua Benjamin

Founder of the UK Creative Festival Dina Green, and Shaniqua Benjamin, welcome you to the 2025 UK Creative Festival.

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10:00 - 15:30

Thu 10th

Roller Disco

at Dreamland

CAREERS FAIR

Hosts and speakers from across the creative industries

Kick start or turbo charge your creative career in 2025, meet leading companies from across the creative industries and take part in expertly run workshops and Q&A sessions. This is your 'not-to-be-missed' opportunity to meet and network with the UK creative scene.

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

CREATIVITY NEEDS COMMUNITY

Speakers: Marcus Ryder

Brilliant ideas don’t thrive in isolation. Marcus Ryder MBE unpacks why building inclusive, connected communities is essential for creative longevity, wellbeing, and true industry change.

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Ballroom

at Dreamland

BREAKING INTO THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: A GUIDE FOR YOUNG TALENT

Speakers: Liam Bailey, Dom Edwards, Madeline Penfold, William Hill, Beatrice Newman

Want to launch your creative career but not sure where to start? This panel brings together a graphic designer, photographer, university lecturer, and fashion entrepreneur to share their unfiltered journeys and hard-won advice. No gatekeeping, just actionable insights to help you carve your own path—whether you're a student, self-taught, or somewhere in between.

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16+

10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 1:
SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

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More exciting content to be announced soon

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 2:
SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

tba

More exciting content to be announced soon

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 3:
CRAZY COOL THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH AI

Speaker: Omar Karim

Session details to be announced soon

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 4:
LEMON TANK

Speaker: Jacob Rickard

Session details to be announced soon

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16+

10:45 - 11:30

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

DEATHMATCH: HOW BRANDS GET GAMING WRONG

Speakers: India Pearce, Tom Williams

Gaming: A creative frontier, where human imagination meets digital worlds - pushing boundaries beyond pixels and platforms. Hear from industry leaders who prove that creativity is the most powerful force in digital storytelling, transforming how we play, connect, and innovate.

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10:45 - 11:30

Thu 10th

Ballroom

at Dreamland

CREATIVE STORYTELLING: FROM CONCEPT TO CAMPAIGN - STORY TELLING OR MUSIC INDUSTRY.

Speakers: Anna Olubunmi, Kieron Roe, Abigail Wilson, Sharon Lock, Dani Wolf, Joshua Gibbard

How do raw ideas transform into unforgettable campaigns? This panel gathers designers, filmmakers, creative directors, and sound artists to pull back the curtain on their creative journeys. Discover: •How curiosity fuels craft across disciplines (motion, sound, design, and beyond). •The messy, magical process of turning concepts into resonant stories. •The "aha" moments that shaped their careers—from failed experiments to breakthrough projects. No theory—just real talk on building bold work and staying inspired in fast-changing industries.

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10:45 - 11:30

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 1:
IS IRL THE NEW VIRAL?

Speaker: Latoya Kessie

In a world where everyone’s chasing clicks, this workshop explores what happens when brands go beyond the algorithm and into the streets, stages, and spaces that real people care about. From Corteiz’s chaos-filled street drops to Fenty’s beauty playgrounds and Nike’s immersive activations. This session unpacks how experiential marketing turns a brand moment into a cultural movement

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10:45 - 11:30

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 2:
BREAKING IN & BOSSING IT: STANDING OUT IN FILM & ADS

tba

Join us as we explore the challenges and rewards of entering the industry - from building a strong network and making your name known, to finding the right career path and keeping up with evolving trends. You’ll also get top tips and insider secrets from a leading producer with experience managing major productions across the UK and worldwide, giving you the practical insights to stand out and succeed with a focus on post production workflows.

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10:45 - 11:30

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 3:
SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

tba

Session details to be announced soon

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10:45 - 11:30

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 4:
SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

tba

More exciting content to be announced soon

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11:30 - 12:10

Thu 10th

Roller Disco

at Dreamland

SPEED NETWORKING BREAK IN ROLLER DISCO

Hosts from across the UK creative industries

Join one of fast-paced, interactive sessions which are designed to boost confidence, spark inspiration, and energise young creatives before diving back into the festival. By encouraging easy, meaningful exchanges, the sessions fuels curiosity, build networking confidence, and with send participants back into the festival feeling ready to connect and create!

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14-18

12:10 - 12:35

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

AI, CONSCIOUSLY PT.1

Speakers: Rebecca Rowntree, Omar Karim, Isabel Sierra y Gómez de León

From concept to craft, AI has already transformed how ads are produced— explore how creative teams are using AI to work faster, think bolder, and still deliver human-centred campaigns.

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12:35 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

AI, CONSCIOUSLY PT.2

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From concept to craft, AI has already transformed how ads are produced— explore how creative teams are using AI to work faster, think bolder, and still deliver human-centred campaigns.

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Ballroom

at Dreamland

TRUST YOUR CREATIVE: FROM SELF-DOUBT TO CREATIVE POWER

Speakers: Susan Walbrook, Ozlem Tuskan

An immersive, science-meets-soul workshop helping young creatives move beyond imposter syndrome and step confidently into who they are — and who they’re becoming.

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 1: SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

Hosts: Supa Jam

More details coming soon

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 2: SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

tba

More details coming soon

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 3: JUGGLING IT ALL - LIFE, EDUCATION, CAREER + PASSION

Speaker: Olamide Taiwo

More details coming soon

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 4: BE THE DIRECTOR OF YOUR LIFE: HOW FILM AND TV MADE ME SEE MY LIFE DIFFERENTLY BY MICAH MCLEOD

Speaker: Micah Mcleod

More details coming soon

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13:00 - 14:00

Thu 10th

Various catering

at Dreamland

LUNCH

Grab yourself a bite to eat from the Roller Café or various food trucks that will be serving lunch within Dreamland

Refuel ahead of more exciting content

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13:00 - 14:00

Thu 10th

Roller Disco

at Dreamland

SPEED NETWORKING IN ROLLER DISCO

Hosts from across the UK creative industries

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13:00 - 14:00

Thu 10th

Ballroom

at Dreamland

CREATIVE ACTIVATION & MEDITATION IN BALLROOM

tba

Session details to be announced soon

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13:00 - 14:00

Thu 10th

Dodgems

at Dreamland

NEW TALENT & SHORT FILM AWARDS

Hosts: The Creative Circle

Connect with industry peers, future collaborators and creative minds and celebrate the rising stars who are redefining the creative landscape.

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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

PERMISSION NOT REQUIRED - THE ART OF PRODUCTIVE REBELLION

tba

A fast-paced, no punches pulled, panel exploring how creative professionals can break traditional corporate barriers, challenge outdated thinking, and transform innovative ideas into successful ventures. Featuring industry disruptors who've torn up the rulebook, this session will inspire attendees to trust their creative instincts, collaborate boldly, and turn entrepreneurial visions into reality - without waiting for permission. The session will cover: The importance of being confident to challenge traditional corporate structures Turning creative ideas into successful businesses The power of collaboration and risk-taking How creatives are driving innovation across industries – not just ‘creative’ sectors

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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Ballroom

at Dreamland

BREAK INTO SOCIAL: WHERE CULTURE, CREATIVITY & CAREERS COLLIDE

Speakers: Barney McCann, Sam O'Kitchin

Imagine turning your ideas into Instagram scroll-stoppers, your love of memes into a career, or your obsession with pop culture into something brands pay you for. This session explores what it really means to work in the social-first creative industry today, where creativity meets culture meets commerce. Led by Born Social’s Head of Creative Barney McCann and Creative Director Sam O’Kitchin, this session is all about keeping it real: no career clichés, just honest stories, practical advice, and insights from people who figured it out by jumping in and learning along the way. We’ll talk about how to turn your passions into a profession, why your perspective is your superpower, and how social media has changed the game for the next generation of creatives. Whether you're into writing, design, project management, content creation, or all of the above, this session is your permission slip to start somewhere, anywhere, and make your own path in advertising and beyond.

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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

Hosts: Sparks

More exciting content to be announced soon

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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

CREATIVE ACTIVISM: USING ART & DESIGN TO SPARK CHANGE

Speaker: Libby Collar

In an era of global challenges, from climate change to social injustice, creativity has become a powerful tool for activism. This presentation showcases artists, designers and change-makers using their work to challenge the status quo, inspire action and amplify unheard voices. Through thought-provoking discussion and real-world examples, we'll explore how creative activism is driving impact, the ethical responsibilities of artists and practical ways to turn ideas into action.

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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

HOW TO GET YOUR CREATIVE PROJECT FUNDED - A HACKERS GUIDE.

Speakers: Liam Bailey , Chris Filip

In an ever-evolving creative landscape, funding can often feel like a locked door. This session will equip you with unconventional strategies and innovative approaches to unlock the funding you need for your creative projects. Tailored for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives of all backgrounds, this “hacker’s guide” to funding will explore how to navigate traditional funding avenues while also leveraging alternative methods, creative thinking, and technology. We will look at understanding the Funding Landscape: Gain insights into various funding sources, including grants, sponsorships, crowdfunding, and investment options specific to creative projects. Innovative Strategies: Learn how to think outside the box to identify unique funding opportunities that align with your creative vision. Crafting a Compelling Proposal: Discover key components of winning project proposals and pitches, including storytelling techniques, budget management, and aligning with funder values. Leveraging Technology: Explore the use of digital tools and platforms that can assist in fundraising efforts, from crowdfunding platforms to social media marketing strategies. Networking and Collaboration: Understand the power of building connections within the creative community and how partnerships can enhance your project’s funding potential.

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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

tba

More exciting content to be announced soon

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14:45 - 15:30

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

THE ANATOMY OF A BIG IDEA

Speakers: Leah Brown, Anto Chioccarelli, Shivani Arora

From the spark of a brief to the final execution and the lasting resonance of a creative platform, this session explores what makes an outdoor idea land with impact. We’ll unpack the journey of bold thinking, from how a brief is shaped, to how ideas are built, sold in and elevated through storytelling and craft. Using British Airways and more agencies and brands to be announced as our lens, we’ll celebrate the creative decisions, risks and refinements that transform a good idea into something unmistakably original and discuss the unique role Outdoor plays in bringing that transformation to life.

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