TEDx Bute Street at The Senedd: An Evening of Ideas, Identity & Inspiration
On a warm and sunny evening in Cardiff Bay, something magical unfolded at The Senedd. TEDx Bute Street made its bold and brilliant debut—and what a debut it was! A crowd of eager listeners packed into one of Wales' most iconic political and cultural spaces for an unforgettable night of stories that challenged, inspired and united us.
The Edit was proud to partner as the event’s organising company, curating the digital experience from start to finish. From the online applications to the visitor comms, we had a front-row seat to see an idea become reality—and trust us, the vibes were electric.
🎤 A Host Who Lit Up the Room
Chris J Birch, the visionary organiser and host, radiated charm and purpose as he opened the evening. Known for his knack for empowering creatives and leading with empathy, Chris set the tone for what TEDx Bute Street is all about: celebrating big ideas, brave voices, and boundary-breaking perspectives.
✨ A Stage for Stories that Moved Us
Each speaker brought something special—a spark, a truth, a challenge—that made the audience lean in just a little closer.
Jeff Smith took us on a high-altitude journey from inner-city hardship to the summit of Everest. His tale of endurance, mental grit and relentless purpose had us in awe—and might just be responsible for a few dusty eyes in the room.
Nathan Spackman reminded us of the profound power of local radio and its ability to knit communities together. His dedication to public service was a heartfelt rally cry for storytelling that doesn’t just inform but connects.
With mud-caked hands and a poetic heart, Billy Adams transformed clay and coastline into something transcendent. His talk blurred the lines between land and memory, function and form.
Barbara Chidgey gave us permission to pause. A leadership specialist who speaks from the heart, she offered a moving case for emotional wellbeing in healthcare—rooted in her own extraordinary story of resilience.
Emily Garside lit up the stage with their fearless celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices and queer history. Their humour, intelligence and fire left us all feeling a little braver, a little prouder and alot more represented!
Nathan Wyburn proved creativity knows no bounds (especially not marmite). His playful, powerful artistry—using everyday objects—had us grinning one moment and gasping the next.
Molly Fenton may only be in her early twenties, but she brought the wisdom of generations. Her passionate advocacy around period dignity, mental health and youth voice was nothing short of galvanising.
Hannah Oertel offered a frank and necessary look at children’s tech use—reminding us all that sometimes the bravest choice is to simply wait. Her warmth and sincerity made this an essential conversation.
Ammar Akhtar wowed with his journey from Pakistan to Wales to global tech entrepreneur, showing how innovation can (and should) be for everyone. His story was one of hustle, heart, and hope.
Finally, Tim Rhys-Evans MBE wrapped up the night with elegance and power, championing the transformative magic of music. His work with music & Melody has not only raised voices—it’s raised generations.
🎈 What We Felt
Throughout the night, there was laughter and tears. Gasps and applause. Quiet nods of agreement and inspired smiles. It wasn’t just what was said—it was how it made us feel. Seen. Challenged. Connected.
The power of TEDx lies not only in ideas worth spreading, but in the people brave enough to share them. What made this event extraordinary was the range of voices—different ages, backgrounds, identities, and passions—all equally welcomed, all equally heard.
💡 Be Part of the Next One
Feeling inspired? Good. Because this was only the beginning.
If you have a bold idea, lived experience, or story you think needs to be heard, we want to hear from you! Click the link below to be added to our applicant list and get a chance to speak at the next TEDx Bute Street event:
👉 Apply to Speak at TEDx Bute Street
Until next time—keep dreaming big, Cardiff.
