THE final line-up for the inaugural TEDxWinchester has been announced, completing a panel of local and national speakers on Wednesday March 25.

Taking place at its new learning and teaching building at theuniversity’s new West Downs Quarter, TEDxWinchester is an independent, self-organised event, licensed by TED in the spirit of ideas worth sharing.

The theme is a moment of change and speakers from the diverse worlds of technology, science, business, sport, entertainment and charity will share their ideas and experiences of moments of change in 18-minute presentations throughout the afternoon.

Amongst those taking the stage in the Auditorium of the University’s new learning and teaching building at its West Downs Quarter is Hannah Bellamy.

Originally from Winchester, Hannah has travelled far and wide and, after starting her career in the corporate world, she progressed to the charity and non-profit sectors. As the managing director of charity: water UK, she oversees operations, helps increase awareness, and builds a supporter base throughout Europe.

Also on the bill is Paul Austin, co-founder of London-based creative studio, Made Thought. Known for their iconic visual craft and obsessive attention to detail, Made Thought collaborates with cutting-edge brands, from MoMA to Stella McCartney and Pinterest. The studio has won many awards and has built a global reputation as a key thought-leader within the creative community.

Ben Scott-Robinson, the founder of The Small Robot Company, a startup specialising in revolutionizing farming through robotics and AI will also speak. Ben previously ran the Ordnance Survey’s internal agency creating beautiful products and campaigns.

Completing the line-up is Dr Sophie Arthur who is Science Communicator for the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences. She was awarded her PhD at Southampton University in 2018 and transitioned from being a scientist to pursuing a career in science communication after creating a successful science blog called ‘Sophie Talks Science’.

Previously announced speakers are: Amanda McKenna, co-founder of the UK largest independent digital agency, entrepreneur, mentor, investor

Eddie Owusu, former Team GB basketball player, Winchester Royals Head Coach and inspirer of young people

Hannah Foster, Winchester Youth Climate Change Action, young leader, head girl of local secondary school.

Chris Pott, local musician who specialises in body percussion!

With over half the tickets already sold, curator, Jan Carlyle said: “We are really excited to be bringing TEDxWinchester to our city. There is a great enthusiasm for an event that brings together a spirit of curiosity and Winchester is well positioned for people who work in the creative, digital and tech industries, who call Winchester home.”

TEDxWinchester will be one of the first public events held in the new West Downs Quarter of the University of Winchester, on Romsey Road. University of Winchester Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Sam Jones, said: “As a successful, values-driven higher education institution, which is leading the way in sustainability and social justice, we are hugely excited to partner the first TEDxWinchester event.

“The University is a hub for innovation and creativity in the city so we are delighted to partner with TEDxWinchester to host this fantastic opportunity for thought-leaders, businesses and local residents to come together to stimulate ideas and debate, and to inspire and inform.”

As well as being partnered by the University of Winchester, TEDxWinchester is being supported by several local businesses including Workshop Winchester, Focal Point Media, Winchester City Council and Winchester BID. For more information and to book your tickets visit www.tedxwinchester.com.