- This event has passed.
Living Freedom Xmas Bash Balloon Debate 2025
We would like to invite you to join us in Westminster for a drink, some good company and a fun Xmas balloon debate. Please register using the form below.
What is the greatest representation of freedom in culture?
A panel of 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!
SPEAKERS
Ada Akpala, writer and commentator
defending nudity in art and beyond
Freddie Attenborough, research manager, Committee for Academic Freedom
defending the work of playwright and writer Joe Orton
Sonia Gallego, reporter, Al Jazeera English
defending Monty Python’s Penis Song (Not the Noel Coward Song)
Reem Ibrahim, communications officer, Institute of Economic Affairs
defending Hamilton: An American Musical
Jasper Robbins, writer; alumnus, Living Freedom; history and politics student
defending Top Gear (2002-2015)
Kevin Rooney, religion, philosophy and ethics teacher; editor, irishborderpoll.com
defending Alan Bennett’s The History Boys
Jake Weston, project assistant, Academy of Ideas
defending gambling culture
HOST
Alastair Donald, convenor, Living Freedom
This invitation-only gathering will take place in Westminster. We’ll send out details after registration.
REGISTER