TEDx Bute Street 2026: A Welsh Story Takes Centre Stage at the Senedd
TEDx Bute Street returned to Senedd Cymru on 3 June 2026 with an energy, ambition, and sense of national pride that firmly cemented it as one of Wales’ most exciting platforms for ideas. Curated and organised by Chris J Birch and Jak Rhys Birch, and supported by The Edit Wales, bigmoose, Final Rentals, and headline sponsor Lis McLean MS, the event delivered a day of storytelling that was unmistakably Welsh in spirit and global in reach.
The theme — A Welsh Story — invited speakers to explore identity, creativity, resilience, and community through the lens of lived experience. What unfolded was a day of bold ideas, emotional honesty, and a celebration of the people shaping Wales’ future.
A Lineup That Reflected Wales’ Diversity, Talent & Heart
The 2026 speaker roster brought together household names, cultural leaders, and powerful advocates:
Andrew Jenkins — Traitors star and Welsh personality, bringing charisma and candour to the stage.
Taiye Omokore — Founder of KLAT Magazine, speaking on visibility, creative ecosystems, and the realities of recognition in Wales.
Caitlin Flood-Molyneux — One of Wales’ most exciting contemporary artists, exploring identity, legacy, and the power of creative expression.
Anna Louise Bates — Founder of Believe Organ Donor Support, sharing a deeply personal and transformative story of advocacy.
Osamagbe Izivbigie — Entrepreneur and founder of Afro Entertainment, championing cultural celebration and representation.
Lorraine McDonnell — International speaker whose message of resilience and reinvention resonated across the room.
Each talk offered a different facet of what a “Welsh story” can be — rooted in place, but never confined by it.
Hosts, Special Guests & A Community-Led Atmosphere
The event was hosted by Chris J Birch, whose warm, witty, and grounded presence guided the audience through the day.
Two special guest talks added further depth:
Ammar Akhtar opened the event with a powerful reflection on innovation, identity, and belonging.
Jeff Smith and his daughter Chloe Smith, founders of bigmoose, delivered a heartfelt midday talk on mental health, purpose, and the ripple effect of kindness.
Their contributions reinforced the event’s ethos: that Welsh stories are people stories — and people stories are universal.
Powered by Welsh Collaboration
TEDx Bute Street 2026 was made possible through a network of Welsh organisations and supporters, including:
The Edit Wales
bigmoose
Final Rentals
Raewyn Communications
Charlotte Speaking Coach
Recruit121
And many more individuals and partners who champion creativity and community across Wales.
This collaborative spirit echoed throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that felt both professional and deeply personal.
A Welsh Story: The Heart of the Event
The theme wasn’t just a title — it was a thread woven through every moment.
Speakers explored:
Welsh identity in a globalised world
Creativity as a tool for empowerment
The emotional landscapes of grief, joy, and reinvention
The importance of representation and visibility
Community-led change and grassroots leadership
Attendees praised the event for its emotional impact, its authenticity, and its commitment to platforming voices that reflect the Wales of today and tomorrow.
Critical Acclaim & Momentum for What Comes Next
Feedback from attendees, partners, and supporters has been overwhelmingly positive. Many described the event as:
“A landmark moment for Welsh storytelling”
“A celebration of voices we need to hear more often”
“A powerful reminder of the creativity thriving in Wales”
The success of the June event has set the stage for the next chapter.
TEDx Bute Street Returns — 24 September 2026
The follow‑up event will take place once again at Senedd Cymru on 24 September 2026, this time spotlighting first‑time speakers under the theme A First.
If June was about celebrating the stories that shape Wales, September will be about the voices stepping forward for the very first time — new ideas, new perspectives, and new storytellers ready to take the red dot.
Full Imagery HERE