Enlighten Festival at the Cathedral

September 26th, 27th and 28th 2025

Lichfield Cathedral Launches ENLIGHTEN at Lichfield: Gala of stimulating talks, interviews, conversations and discussion.

Once the beating heart of the Enlightenment - home to some of Britain’s greatest thinkers, scientists and philosophers - Lichfield is reclaiming its heritage of conversation with the launch of a new ENLIGHTEN weekend at Lichfield Cathedral.

Rooted in the Christian faith that shaped the city’s historic intellects, this new annual festival will ask: ‘What does genuine dialogue look like in a contested world?’

Honouring the legacy of luminaries such as Samuel Johnson, Erasmus Darwin and David Garrick, the Cathedral has invited scholars, writers, politicians, clergy, and curious minds alike to engage in courageous, constructive conversations on the pressing issues of our day - from truth and technology to justice, division, and belief.

The Revd Canon Dr Gregory Platten, lead on the festival, said: ‘We live in a contested age, and we urgently need spaces for rigorous, respectful, and even uncomfortable conversation. The Enlightenment spirit was never about easy agreement—it was about a courageous seeking after truth. This festival seeks to revive that same spirit, and whilst in the values of faith, open to everyone.’

For further information and to book tickets to the events, click here to access the Cathedral's website.