Living Freedom Xmas Bash Balloon Debate 2023

On behalf of Living Freedom we would like to invite you to join us for a drink, some good company and a fun Xmas balloon debate.

This invitation only gathering will take place at The Sekforde, the historic Clerkenwell pub now thriving on the back of an award winning restoration. Join us for drinks at the pay bar from 7pm.

What: Living Freedom Xmas Balloon Debate
When: Wednesday 20 December 2023, 7:00pm
Where: The Sekforde, 34 Sekforde St, Farringdon, London EC1R 0HA
Entrance: Free
Booking: Limited space so reserve a place via Ticket Tailor.

What is the greatest representation of freedom in culture?

A panel of six valiant freedom lovers will seek to convince you of their choice, whether a work of art or literature, a film, opera, play or song.

Each contestant will have just three minutes to present their case, followed by a round of questions from the audience. Then there is a vote, and the top three will be given an additional one minute to convince you to back their choice.

Which cultural representation of freedom – and its defender – deserves to stay in the balloon? You decide!

PANEL:
* Andrew Calcutt former bassist and journalist, now self-styled as ‘the news poet’ – defending the premiere of 4′ 33” by John Cage, Maverick Hall, New York, 29 August 1952
* David Cotter musician and composer; teacher and lecturer – defending the guitar
* Maeve Halligan musician, The Hooligans; student – defending The Fields of Athenry
* Robert Reid, researcher and parliamentary assistant, the Alba Party – defending The Declaration of Arbroath
* Cressida Wetton comedian; panellist, Headliners, GB News – defending Lenny Bruce‘s free speech routines
* Leo Villa archive manager, Academy of Ideas; music teacher – defending Miloš Forman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Host: Alastair Donald convenor, Living Freedom