EVENT SCHEDULE

Margate • 9–10 July 2025

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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

COLLECT YOUR ACCREDITATION

Hosts: The UK Creative Festival team

Pick up your accreditation when you arrive, a short walk from the train station. Need to buy a pass or upgrade? Someone will be here to answer your questions.

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14:00 - 18:00

Wed 9th

Sea Shed

around Margate

WELCOME DRINKS

Hosts: The UK Creative Festival team

Ease into the festival vibes with a seaside drink whilst grabbing your badge.

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18+

14:00 - 1700

Wed 9th

Ballroom

at Dreamland

THEARTSCHOOL WITH GRAHAM FINK

Host: Graham Fink

Open to all young creatives (18+) with 3 or less professional experience who have a Careers fair or Festival ticket - 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. Industry legends you’ve only seen in award books, now right in front of you - coaching you, working with you, telling you what no one else does. You’ll tackle a live brief, get your work seen, and hear the kind of truth most people wait years to learn. You could spend the afternoon on the beach or spend an afternoon that might just change your creative career.

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18+

15:00 - 18:00

Wed 9th

Sea Shed

around Margate

THE MARGATE DROP

An afternoon of music, art, football and food – all shaped by and for the people of Margate. Hosts: Sparks

Sparks is kicking off this year’s UK Creative Festival with The Margate Drop – a vibrant, youth-led beach takeover created in partnership with the local community. From 15:00 to 17:00 on Wednesday 9th July, Margate Beach becomes the backdrop for an afternoon of music, art, football and food – all shaped by and for the people of Margate. It’s a joyful celebration of the town’s creative spirit, and everyone’s invited. We’ll also be unveiling a brand new look for the Sea Shed – transformed through a community mural project led by local eco-organisation Rise Up Clean Up and renowned street artist Louis Masai. The mural is a lasting tribute to Margate’s culture, coastline and commitment to creativity. Expect live music from Pie Factory (a local youth charity), beach vibes, ice cream, and refreshing beach-inspired cocktails, all served up with a side of sunshine and local pride. This isn’t a stage, it’s a shared space. No pass required. Just come as you are. SHOW UP. HANG OUT. CELEBRATE MARGATE. Free to attend. No festival ticket needed.

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14+

15:00 -17:00

Wed 9th

Sea Shed

around Margate

SANDCASTLE COMP WITH PLUNGE CREATIONS

Hosts: Plunge Creations

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! We will be asking for each team to donate £20 entry fee to go to the Creative Foundation Charity. Rules; • Materials - only sand and water. Entrants are allowed to use natural beach objects for decoration. • Only Hand tools. No mechanical tools. Shovels, rakes, trowels, and buckets can be used. • Each entrant is allocated a designated space to build their sandcastle • Time Limit. The competition starts at 3pm and judging starts at 4.30pm Judging is for creativity and originality. Judges will take into account the detail and craftsmanship. We will be running 2 categories - team and individual and will be asking for a donation to the Creative Foundation for each team entry. First Prize: £300 + a trophy Second Prize: £100 Third Prize: £100

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18+

16:30 - 20:30

Wed 9th

Main Sands Sauna

around Margate

DROP IN COLD PLUNGE & SAUNA

Hosts: Killer Art + Production

Wind down and enjoy the cold plunge and sauna facilities with stunning sea views.

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18+

18:00 - 21:00

Wed 9th

Turner Contemporary

around Margate

CREATIVE TOWN HALL

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+

19:00 - 00:30

Wed 9th

Faith In Strangers

around Margate

UKCF OFFICIAL OPENING SUMMER PARTY

Let loose and mingle at the legendary, official UKCF opening party at Faith & Strangers! Options to dine, read on to find out more...

To kick off the opening night of the UKCF we are congregating in the hub of Margate’s creative nightlife, Faith in Strangers. Their illustrious head chef, Jackson Berg, will be presenting a special preview for UKCF of their pop-up Steak & Frites nights, including veg/vegan options. The musical backdrop will be curated by the Poseidon Sound Club, a collective of distinguished local electronic music producers. From 21:30 we will be letting loose and partying with a DJ till closing. It is free entry for drinks and the party, but if you would like to dine, this is booked and paid directly with the venue and requires a reservation, see link below for more details

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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 & Killer Art + Production

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

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, Holy Boka, Cherrelle Skeete

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: Jessica Rose, Dom Edwards, William Hill, Beatrice Newman, Jaden Henry.

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: YOUNG WRITERS’ ROOM FOR FRESH IDEAS

Host: Jacob Rickard

Join us for an exciting and interactive writers' room workshop, where you'll collaborate with other young minds to brainstorm fresh, innovative ideas to help the iconic brand Specsavers reach Gen Z customers. This is your chance to learn from the expert team at the agency lemontank, proving to the advertising industry why they need to be involving young creatives in their work. Come and shape the future of marketing, and potentially see your concepts come to life!

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 2: PIXELS & PASSION: THE JOURNEY OF YOUNG ARTISTS INTO THE WORLD OF VFX, ANIMATION AND DESIGN

Host: Hannah Barnes, Sophie Joint & Daniel Brewster

Interested in a career in visual effects, animation or design - but not really sure where to start? Young, talented, and working at globally renowned creative Studio Electric Theatre Collective, Designer Sophie and Nuke Artist Daniel talk about their route into the industry, and what their roles look like day to day.

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 3: HOW TO CRAFT A SHOWSTOPPING CV

Host: Anna Penny

More details coming soon

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10:00 - 10:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 4: CURIOSITY: THE KEY TO AN MEANINGFUL CREATIVE LIFE AND CAREER

Host: Sam Furness

Join cultural producer and founder of Channel Twelve, Sam Furness for a playful and thought-provoking session on how curiosity can fuel your creative path. Sam has build a global creative community and also works cultivating the creativity of some of the world’s most interesting companies. In a time where things are moving so fast - Sam will share ideas on how you can stay inspired, adaptable and aligned in your work. Through reflection and interactive prompts, you’ll explore how following what excites you can lead to unexpected opportunities and a more fulfilling creative life - no matter where you are in your journey - Intern or CEO!

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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, Alexandra Etzine, Stephanie Ijoma

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.

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: BUILD IT QUICK: START YOUR BUSINESS IN UNDER AN HOUR)

Host: Steph Hamill

Think starting a business is a long game? Think again. In this hands-on workshop, creative entrepreneur Steph Hamill shares the fastest route to getting your idea off the ground — no jargon, no fluff. You’ll brainstorm bold ideas, sketch out a killer business plan, learn how to test your concept fast (and cheap), and discover how collaboration can supercharge your launch. Whether you’ve got a dream or just some drive, this is your shortcut to starting something real. Think starting a business is a long game? Think again. In this hands-on workshop, creative entrepreneur Steph Hamill shares the fastest route to getting your idea off the ground — no jargon, no fluff. You’ll brainstorm bold ideas, sketch out a killer business plan, learn how to test your concept fast (and cheap), and discover how collaboration can supercharge your launch. Whether you’ve got a dream or just some drive, this is your shortcut to starting something real.

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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

Hosts: Nell Clacher, Mariella Driskell

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: FUNNY BUSINESS: HOW HUMOUR CAN BE THE SECRET SAUCE FOR YOUR CREATIVE CAREER.

Hosts: Simon Butcher, Dana Jungerius, Reece Fernandes

Humour isn’t just for stand-ups or TikTok comedians - it’s a powerful creative tool that can make your ideas more memorable, relatable, and likable. In this workshop, run by the creative team at Specsavers, we’ll explore the power of funny, and how to make people laugh (on purpose). You'll team up to create your own funny creative idea - and discover how finding your sense of humour might just be the secret sauce that sets your creative career apart.

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10:45 - 11:30

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 4: SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

tba

More details coming 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 Global and The Arena at one of our 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

11:30 - 16:45

Thu 10th

Outdoors

at Dreamland

THE BUSKING STAGE

11.30-12.10 Moss.E
12.30-14.30 Supajam Allstars
14.45-3.15 George Butler
15.30-16.00 daisie
16.15-16.45 Jack Nash

Enjoy some live music at the busking stage!

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12:10 - 12:35

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

AI, CONSCIOUSLY PT.1 - AI & PRODUCTION: EVOLVING WITH INTENTION

Speakers: Emma Alexander, Hugo Rayne, Art Tindsley, Landy Slattery

As AI reshapes the creative landscape, how do we ensure we’re not just keeping pace, but evolving with purpose? This fast-paced 25-minute panel brings together voices from AI software, and creative agencies to unpack where the industry stands today, what’s coming next, and how we can harness AI without losing the human core of our work. Expect honest insights, real-world examples and practical takeaways on working smarter, ethically and creatively in an AI-driven era.

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12:35 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Hall By The Sea

at Dreamland

AI, CONSCIOUSLY PT.2

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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12:10 - 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: JUGGLING IT ALL - LIFE, EDUCATION, CAREER + PASSION

Host: Olamide Taiwo

Juggling it all” is a creative and practical workshop focused on navigating the world as individuals with full time education/work alongside multiple creative interests and passions while preventing burn out.

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 2: CRAFT VS AI IN ART: THE CORE TENSION

Host: Trin Basra

More details coming soon

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 3: BE THE DIRECTOR OF YOUR LIFE: HOW FILM AND TV MADE ME SEE MY LIFE DIFFERENTLY BY MICAH MCLEOD

Host: Micah Mcleod

Ever feel like you’re living on autopilot, like a character in someone else’s script? In this engaging workshop, we’ll explore how the magic of film and television can transform your perspective, inviting you to step behind the camera of your heart and film the life you want to live. Drawing parallels between cinematic storytelling and our daily routines, Discover how to challenge conventional roles and embrace the role of director in your own life narrative. Through engaging discussion and thought-provoking exercises, we'll break down the barriers of societal expectations, empowering you to step behind the lens of your own destiny. Whether you're a creative professional, an entrepreneur, or someone simply seeking more direction, this session will inspire you to rewrite your story with purpose and intention.

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12:10 - 13:00

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 4: na

Host: tba

tba

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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

Host: Charlotte Ellis, Killer Art + Production

Awaken your inner Magik! Creative potential is alive within all of us… Breathing in rhythmic flow to the count of a beat, hypnotic, metronome like… Softening the do’ing! Turning your focus inwards, dropping deep into the inner space of self, your breath as your guide. As you begin to let go of the distractions of the outer world and pull the mind into focus via the method of Trataka you instinctively tap into your creative potential, activating the bliss chemicals our marvellous beings naturally create. So come and explore with open heart and mind -all answers & resource are already within!

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13:00 - 14:00

Thu 10th

Dodgems

at Dreamland

NEW TALENT & SHORT FILM AWARDS

Hosts: The Creative Circle in partnership with Sparks & APA

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

Speakers: Steph Hamill, Barny Wright, Graeme Douglas, Diana Gomez, Ranbir Arora

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, Celia Hodgson, Tom Skinner

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

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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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 2: CREATIVE ACTIVISM: USING ART & DESIGN TO SPARK CHANGE

Host: 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

BEACH HUT 3: IS PR MORE IMPORTANT THAN ADVERTISING AND SOCIAL MEDIA?

Host: Jazz Gandhi

In a world where authenticity and credibility are high on the agenda for all creatives, how do we determine what is real from what is fake? Here students can truly start to learn the building blocks of what makes an ordinary creative campaign into an extraordinary one. It's not just whimsical brand associations and the wackiest creative ideas (no matter how hilarious, like the brilliant Scottish highland cow on a motorbike singing Patrick Swayze's 'She's like the Wind' from Dirty Dancing.) If you really want to know how to be real, authentic and hold credibility in your career, this workshop is for you.

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14:00 - 14:45

Thu 10th

Beach Huts

at Dreamland

BEACH HUT 4: SESSION DETAILS COMING SOON

tba

More details coming 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, Pete Ioulianou, Sam Berry

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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14:45 - 15:30

Thu 10th

Ballroom

at Dreamland

THE POWER OF USING GEN Z TALENT IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Speaker: Jacob Rickard, Max van Es, Lola Kaeppelin

Join the team from lemontank, the young writers’ room for fresh ideas, as they demonstrate the power of involving young people in the process of marketing to young audiences. Brands and agencies targeting young consumers will learn why and how they should harness the creative energy of Gen Zs from outside the ad industry bubble, to get authentic insights and ideas that are always relevant and on-trend.

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15:30 - 16:10

Thu 10th

Roller Disco

at Dreamland

SPEED NETWORKING BREAK IN ROLLER DISCO

Hosts from across the UK creative industries

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18+

15:30 - 17:30

Thu 10th

Roller Disco

at Dreamland

UKCF CLOSING DRINKS

Hosts: The UK Creative Festival

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

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18+

17:00 - 18:00

Thu 10th

Roller Disco

at Dreamland

CREATIVE CIRCLE AWARDS WELCOME DRINKS

Hosts: The Creative Circle

Jon us for drinks ahead of the Creative Circle Awards

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18+

17:30

Thu 10th

The Bull's Head Pub

around Margate

OFF THE RECORD - MEET & MINGLE IN THE PUB

For Festival & Careers Fair attendees not at the awards

Looking for somewhere to head after, why not try the Bull's Head for a casual catch up with like minded creatives from across the industry - we all know where the real deals are done…

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18+

18:00 - 22:30

Thu 10th

Scenic Stage

at Dreamland

CREATIVE CIRCLE AWARDS

Hosts: The Creative Circle

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

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18+

22:30 - 02:00

Thu 10th

Cinque Ports

around Margate

CREATIVE CIRCLE AWARDS AFTERPARTY

Hosts: The Creative Circle

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

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18+

00:30

Thu 10th

Leaves from Cinque Ports

COACH TRAVEL TO LONDON

Coaches to London Bridge from outside Cinque Ports - MUST BE PRE BOOKED

Planning on staying out late on Thursday? We thought so! To help those of you that are planning on staying late on Thursday but need to get back to London that night, UKCF will be putting on a special coach for the festival. Coaches will be running to London Bridge Station from outside the after party venue Cinque Ports at 00:30. Tickets are £30 and can be booked on our booking platform either when you book a ticket, or you can go log back in and book as an additional purchase.

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