Festival of Freedoms

To celebrate 800 years of rights and representation, Parliament host this programme of over 30 events that examine major political movements in the UK's constitutional past beginning with King John's acceptance of the Magna Carta in 1215. The series of talks, debates, exhibitions and walks are part of a year long cultural programme that marks major anniversaries including 750 years since Simon de Montfort's parliament in 1265. Event highlights include a talk from two machinists who took part in the strikes in Dagenham who will speak about the impact their actions had on current employment law (Sept 9), a lunchtime talk from Dr Caroline Shenton on why the Magna Carta has often found its way into art and architecture over the centuries (Sept 22), and a panel discussion marking 50 years since the introduction of the Race Relations Act (Oct 8). Full programme listings can be found via the website.