Mitchell and Vincent are a duo from the West Country who play traditional tunes and songs from around the British Isles on Fiddle and Guitar, combining interesting and varied arrangements with great foot-tapping folk music.

They have performed concerts around the UK, including festivals such as Glastonbury, Broadstairs, Beverley and Lyme Regis.

Acoustic magazine said their playing is, “Stunning”; FATEA said, “Music that is beautifully played”; while Bright Young Folk described their performance as, "Providing skilled arrangements and expert delivery of tunes and songs which showcase the vibrancy, and variety, of folk music across Britain. A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable experience.”

Web site: www.mitchellandvincent.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mitchellandvincent Twitter: @mitchellandvin plus @mitchellandvinc YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MitchellandVincent Bandcamp: https://mitchellandvincent.bandcamp.com

"I am a vegan composer/pianist/singer-songwriter and am delighted to be invited back to play at VegfestUK Brighton 2018. Last year I released two charity songs, Cargo of Shame benefitting animal charities, and my Christmas song City Story helping the homeless. I also signed to Oakfield Records last year and released my first album of ambient piano music entitled Inspired by Nature, which is available on iTunes and all major digital media and streaming services. I continue to write and record and look forward to performing some of my music at Brighton 2018!"

Ian will be competing at The FxEctive Factor as well as playing another set at the Performance Stage of the event. Here’s Ian’s song entry for The FxEctive Factor – enjoy!

Song entry – Beautiful Wild

How long have you been vegan?

I turned vegan in 2000 after many years of vegetarianism, so 17 years.

What's the most important reason for you to be vegan?

I love animals and I wouldn’t want to cause them any harm.

What are some of your main musical influences?

I have been influenced by many musicians over the years.  Elton John inspired me to play the piano and sing from an early age. Musical influences include classical, rock, pop, soul and jazz funk. It’s all gone into the mix to influence the music and songs I write.

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

I know he has taken a while to make the ultimate step but I admire Morrissey for his approach, initially with The Smiths’ ‘Meat Is Murder’ in 1985, and for his insistence in only playing at venues with only vegan food on offer and showing graphic videos of animal suffering at his concerts, which is risky as a lot of gig-goers do not seem to like it as we found out at a recent concert!

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be? Don't forget to include why!

I think if someone like Ed Sheeran went vegan he would influence a lot of young listeners. Even better if he could start writing songs around veganism! Unlike most pop sensations, I think Ed will be around a while so his message would go on.

Explain in approximately 100 words why you have written/chosen this song, and what it means to you.

After my last entry 2 years ago, ‘Cargo of Shame’, which primarily deals with the issue of farmed animals for the meat and dairy industry, I updated the sound and wanted to give the message a broader appeal whilst still retaining this theme within. Beautiful Wild is an uplifting, mildly cryptic celebration of the beauty of what is all around us and the need to preserve this for future generations. It also highlights the continued struggle to free all animals from the scourge of exploitation and abuse.

What’s your message to people thinking about going vegan?

The fact that you are thinking about going vegan means that something about eating animal products obviously bothers you and there’s a high chance that you have a nagging disgust for the way animals are exploited and abused in the name of the meat and dairy industry. So do it now, get advice from the Vegan Society if you need it, buy vegan cookbooks and most of all go to Vegfest events! Believe me, there has never been a better time. The choices are out there. We have already paved the way for you!

Nominated charity – Animal Aid

If I was to win the competition I would like to donate to Animal Aid as they helped me immensely with the content of my last animal rights video ‘Cargo of Shame’.

Queen V will be competing at The FxEctive Factor as well as playing another set at the Performance Stage of the event. Here’s her song entry for The FxEctive Factor – enjoy!

Song entry – What Hell is Like

How long have you been vegan?

I went vegan May 2016 - I moved to London January 2016 and didn't really know anything about veganism. I've been vegetarian since I was 8 (I was obsessed with animals as a kid!) and I had literally no clue how vile the dairy and egg industries are. After having conversations with a few vegan musicians I met in London, and after watching Cowspiracy and Forks Over Knives, I made the change and haven't looked back. I only wish I'd known the truth years ago.

What's the most important reason for you to be vegan?

It's for the animals first and foremost. What we do to them is inexcusable and barbaric. But I've been learning a lot about the environmental impacts a meat diet has too, and of course cows and sheep and pigs are hit with this, so are wild animals and fish and the whole ecosystem is being ripped apart by us.

What are some of your main musical influences?

I grew up listening to The Beatles, Abba, The Who, Elton John, Queen. My parents had good taste! But my favourite artists are people like Ben Folds, Gavin Degraw, Coldplay, The Feeling, Orson.

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

Probably James Aspey because he's such a dude and he's pretty hot. I love his honesty and integrity. I got to hear him speak this past year at VegFestUK which was a real treat. Also he gave a shoutout to my followers on Youtube - what a ledge!

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be? Don't forget to include why!

Rihanna. She seems to be flaunting the fur at every possible opportunity which is such a terrible message and really careless. I've learned a lot about the fur industry in the last few months and it makes me sick to my stomach how someone can not only wear it, but flaunt it in front of the world. Celebrities have such influence and impact on the youth of today. It's their job to promote positive messages,

Explain in approximately 100 words why you have written/chosen this song, and what it means to you.

I watched 'Land Of Hope And Glory' and immediately knew I had to write this song. The footage Surge collected absolutely broke my heart. I'm hoping my song will get through to some people. I think it's important for the British public to see this cruelty doesn't just happen in far-off lands - it's happening RIGHT HERE, and this footage was absolutely needed - people are running out of excuses. I want people to know that just because animals don't look and act exactly like we do, we all share the same basic instincts.

(the footage used in my music video is taken from “Land of Hope and Glory)

Whats your message to people thinking about going vegan?

It's the best decision you'll make in your life. You're saving animals. You're saving the environment. You're saving yourself. It's win win win. We need to help this world, and eliminating animal cruelty and death is a bloody good start.

Nominated charity

I'd like to nominate 'Our Hen House' - it is a weekly vegan podcast which has released a show every week since January 2010! They usually have 2 or 3 guests on the show who are expert in all fields regarding veganism and it’s such an educational and inspiring show. Mariann and Jasmin host the show - they’re both amazing humans 100% dedicated to raising awareness and ultimately trying to end animal cruelty for good. Even if I don’t win - I recommend people get to know these ladies and their podcast - I started listening early 2017 and haven’t missed a show since.

Mitchell and Vincent are a duo from the West Country who play traditional tunes and songs from around the British Isles on Fiddle and Guitar, combining interesting and varied arrangements with great foot-tapping folk music.

They have performed concerts around the UK, including festivals such as Glastonbury, Broadstairs, Beverley and Lyme Regis.

Acoustic magazine said their playing is, “Stunning”; FATEA said, “Music that is beautifully played”; while Bright Young Folk described their performance as, "Providing skilled arrangements and expert delivery of tunes and songs which showcase the vibrancy, and variety, of folk music across Britain. A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable experience.”

Web site: www.mitchellandvincent.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mitchellandvincent Twitter: @mitchellandvin plus @mitchellandvinc YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MitchellandVincent Bandcamp: https://mitchellandvincent.bandcamp.com

Could behavioural psychology improve your life and help you to inspire change?  Find out during this workshop where we’ll discuss the key principles for a successful interaction. We’ll then go through common scenarios so that you can try the techniques out for yourself.

Suitable for new and aspiring vegans as well as long-time animal liberation advocates, this presentation challenges our conventional ideas about the challenges face people transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle and offers subversive solutions for combating them.  

Greenness will be competing at The FxEctive Factor as well as playing another set at the Performance Stage of the event. Here’s Greenness’ song entry for The FxEctive Factor – enjoy!

Song entry – Mother

How long have you been vegan?

I've been vegan for one year, and vegetarian for seven.

What's the most important reason for you to be vegan?

Veganism is a compassionate lifestyle, it respects and honours all life on Earth. Being vegan is refusing to impose unnecessary suffering on others, and to preserve our environment and its ecosystems. To me, it's a lot more than just a dietary choice, it's about looking after our planet as a whole and being more humble as human beings.

What are some of your main musical influences?

I am a bit insatiable when it comes to music, and try to listen to compositions from every decade, every country and every genre, because I want to hear all sorts of weird and wonderful sounds! Currently I'm really into chamber music, acapella harmonies, Mongolian throat singing and experimental drone/ambient, but ask me the same question in two weeks and you'll probably get a totally different answer...

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

I love Rodrigo y Gabriela, they are both fabulous vegan musicians and seem to be very kind, down to earth people as well. Thom Yorke also deserves a mention here. As for activists, Ophélie Véron from the Antigone XXI blog was very inspirational to me as she has worked tirelessly to make veganism more notorious and accessible in France, where I am from. Just 10 years ago, no one (including myself) had heard of veganism there, but now you can find lots of French vegan restaurants and cookbooks, it's really awesome.

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be?

I would choose Björk, as she is my favourite musician and very close to nature so I think veganism would make sense with her music and values.

Explain in approximately 100 words why you have written/chosen this song, and what it means to you.

I have chosen our original song 'Mother'. The lyrics describe the struggles of living an alternative lifestyle that doesn't cause harm to Mother Earth and its inhabitants, and the lack of understanding that vegans often face in a world that isn't ready to listen to their message. It also comes from a place of compassion, recognizing that these issues aren't easy to take on board. 'Mother' is a very emotional song, because although I want to be enthusiastic about veganism and convey a positive attitude, I still get sad and frustrated whenever I think about the immense suffering that so many creatures endure every day, and the general indifference towards it.

What's your message to people thinking about going vegan?

Just give it a go! It's easier than ever nowadays. You can start by going vegetarian for a little while, and progressively cutting down dairy as well. Initiatives such as Veganuary are really helpful. I used to think a vegan diet would be very restrictive but actually, I have discovered a lot of yummy new ingredients and recipes that I enjoy eating all the time, so I don't miss anything. Take your time, and be curious. Honestly, if a cheese-loving Frenchie can do it, anyone can!

Charity of choice

Our charity of choice is The Vegan Society.

Mobius Loop will be competing at The FxEctive Factor as well as playing another set at the Performance Stage of the event. Here’s Mobius Loop’s song entry for The FxEctive Factor – enjoy!

Song entry – Orion’s Law

How long have you been vegan?

Mobius Loop is managed and nurtured by singer/songwriter soul mates Alex & Katie, who are celebrating 5 years of being vegan in March 2018.

What's the most important reason for you to be vegan?

We chose to become vegan as a form of protest against the mass-slaughtering and exploitation of animals.

What are some of your main musical influences?

Our music is inspired by world folk traditions from any and all cultures.

Our lyrics are inspired by the many philosophical debates we have had together and with others on topics such as ethics, metaphysics and epistemology.

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

Our favourite vegan activism is the many nameless activists who are rescuing animals from suffering and exploitation every second of every day.

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be?

Eminem! He has an attentive global audience, he is an incredible lyricist and he desperately needs a new direction for his concepts!

Explain in approximately 100 words why you have written/chosen this song, and what it means to you.

Orion’s Law is named after the ancient hunter Orion depicted globally in ancient myths and celestial constellations. The song lyrics explore the notion of 21st century mass animal farming verses an ancient idea of hunting to survive. The song contrasts these two ideals and suggests that the hunter Orion is appalled at the modern treatment and enslavement of animals. In the song, Orion the hunter calls for everyone to go vegan for freedom and points out that contemporary ethics and modern nutritional empirical evidence now shows us that we do not need to hunt animals to survive.

What's your message to people thinking about going vegan?

Watch Peter Singer talking with Richard Dawkins about the ethics of eating animals and see how top ethicists and biologists cannot justify mass breeding and slaughtering animals. Watch ‘Land Of Hope and Glory’, a video on youtube showing what happens inside of UK slaughterhouses. Know that the largest collection of nutritionists: The British and American dietic associations state that a well planned vegan diet is healthy for all stages of life including pregnancy, lactation and infancy.

Nominated charity

We would like our charity to be the 'Green Paw Project'.

Mobius Loop are very proud to have been supporting the 'Green Paw Project' for the past few years, joining their creative family and helping the tribe to raise money for their animal welfare charity by performing our songs and hosting Hemp Redemption at 'Audio Farm Festival' and 'One Tribe Festival',  superb 100% vegan music festivals hosted every year in the UK. Green Paw Project goes where veterinary care is needed most and set up a temporary, free veterinary clinic for all local, wild and domesticated animals.

Mobius Loop will be competing at The FxEctive Factor as well as playing another set at the Performance Stage of the event. Here’s Mobius Loop’s song entry for The FxEctive Factor – enjoy!

Song entry – Orion’s Law

How long have you been vegan?

Mobius Loop is managed and nurtured by singer/songwriter soul mates Alex & Katie, who are celebrating 5 years of being vegan in March 2018.

What's the most important reason for you to be vegan?

We chose to become vegan as a form of protest against the mass-slaughtering and exploitation of animals.

What are some of your main musical influences?

Our music is inspired by world folk traditions from any and all cultures.

Our lyrics are inspired by the many philosophical debates we have had together and with others on topics such as ethics, metaphysics and epistemology.

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

Our favourite vegan activism is the many nameless activists who are rescuing animals from suffering and exploitation every second of every day.

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be?

Eminem! He has an attentive global audience, he is an incredible lyricist and he desperately needs a new direction for his concepts!

Explain in approximately 100 words why you have written/chosen this song, and what it means to you.

Orion’s Law is named after the ancient hunter Orion depicted globally in ancient myths and celestial constellations. The song lyrics explore the notion of 21st century mass animal farming verses an ancient idea of hunting to survive. The song contrasts these two ideals and suggests that the hunter Orion is appalled at the modern treatment and enslavement of animals. In the song, Orion the hunter calls for everyone to go vegan for freedom and points out that contemporary ethics and modern nutritional empirical evidence now shows us that we do not need to hunt animals to survive.

What's your message to people thinking about going vegan?

Watch Peter Singer talking with Richard Dawkins about the ethics of eating animals and see how top ethicists and biologists cannot justify mass breeding and slaughtering animals. Watch ‘Land Of Hope and Glory’, a video on youtube showing what happens inside of UK slaughterhouses. Know that the largest collection of nutritionists: The British and American dietic associations state that a well planned vegan diet is healthy for all stages of life including pregnancy, lactation and infancy.

Nominated charity

We would like our charity to be the 'Green Paw Project'.

Mobius Loop are very proud to have been supporting the 'Green Paw Project' for the past few years, joining their creative family and helping the tribe to raise money for their animal welfare charity by performing our songs and hosting Hemp Redemption at 'Audio Farm Festival' and 'One Tribe Festival',  superb 100% vegan music festivals hosted every year in the UK. Green Paw Project goes where veterinary care is needed most and set up a temporary, free veterinary clinic for all local, wild and domesticated animals.

Greenness will be competing at The FxEctive Factor as well as playing another set at the Performance Stage of the event. Here’s Greenness’ song entry for The FxEctive Factor – enjoy!

Song entry – Mother

How long have you been vegan?

I've been vegan for one year, and vegetarian for seven.

What's the most important reason for you to be vegan?

Veganism is a compassionate lifestyle, it respects and honours all life on Earth. Being vegan is refusing to impose unnecessary suffering on others, and to preserve our environment and its ecosystems. To me, it's a lot more than just a dietary choice, it's about looking after our planet as a whole and being more humble as human beings.

What are some of your main musical influences?

I am a bit insatiable when it comes to music, and try to listen to compositions from every decade, every country and every genre, because I want to hear all sorts of weird and wonderful sounds! Currently I'm really into chamber music, acapella harmonies, Mongolian throat singing and experimental drone/ambient, but ask me the same question in two weeks and you'll probably get a totally different answer...

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

I love Rodrigo y Gabriela, they are both fabulous vegan musicians and seem to be very kind, down to earth people as well. Thom Yorke also deserves a mention here. As for activists, Ophélie Véron from the Antigone XXI blog was very inspirational to me as she has worked tirelessly to make veganism more notorious and accessible in France, where I am from. Just 10 years ago, no one (including myself) had heard of veganism there, but now you can find lots of French vegan restaurants and cookbooks, it's really awesome.

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be?

I would choose Björk, as she is my favourite musician and very close to nature so I think veganism would make sense with her music and values.

Explain in approximately 100 words why you have written/chosen this song, and what it means to you.

I have chosen our original song 'Mother'. The lyrics describe the struggles of living an alternative lifestyle that doesn't cause harm to Mother Earth and its inhabitants, and the lack of understanding that vegans often face in a world that isn't ready to listen to their message. It also comes from a place of compassion, recognizing that these issues aren't easy to take on board. 'Mother' is a very emotional song, because although I want to be enthusiastic about veganism and convey a positive attitude, I still get sad and frustrated whenever I think about the immense suffering that so many creatures endure every day, and the general indifference towards it.

What's your message to people thinking about going vegan?

Just give it a go! It's easier than ever nowadays. You can start by going vegetarian for a little while, and progressively cutting down dairy as well. Initiatives such as Veganuary are really helpful. I used to think a vegan diet would be very restrictive but actually, I have discovered a lot of yummy new ingredients and recipes that I enjoy eating all the time, so I don't miss anything. Take your time, and be curious. Honestly, if a cheese-loving Frenchie can do it, anyone can!

Charity of choice

Our charity of choice is The Vegan Society.

Inclusivity in vegan spaces is becoming more of a focus as veganism goes mainstream and spreads globally. Our panel looks at why the mainstream narrative is still dominated by white males, and seeks solutions to ensure that vegan spaces are more inclusive.

Hosted by Karin Ridgers and Tim Barford

Come along and meet other like-minded single vegans and get a free drink. Each person will wear a coloured and numbered sticker to say whether you are looking for a man, a woman or any gender. It’s up to you what you do – chat, add each other on Facebook, swap mobile numbers etc and if you find that too forward but would like to see more of another person as a friend or as a date, just jot down their sticker number on your form and hand it to an organiser. If it’s a match, we will let you know. Good luck.

Veganuary “Class of 2018” participants mingle and socialise in this informal party which consists of lots of positive vibes, yummy vegan cakes, snacks and drinks, and will be joined by the co-founders of Veganuary as the inspirational campaigning group celebrates another year of record-breaking success.

Admission by invitation only

Join the founders of Veganuary as they share the highlights of this year’s campaign. Discover who took part, how they got on…but most importantly…how many of them decided to stay vegan. And find out how they plan to make 300,000 more vegans next year!

Quick and nourishing tasty options from Sistahintheraw’s Raw Soul Food kitchen, with know-how Q&A for those considering the healthful raw food lifestyle. Sistahintheraw will show you how to make a delicious no-bake fruit pie, that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

Find out more at: www.Sistahintheraw.com

Join Nishma of Shambhu’s as she shares her tips and knowledge about spices. Nishma will show you how various spices achieve that exotic vibrancy of flavours, aromas and colours, and indicate their many healing qualities.  Nishma will be demonstrating a protein-rich, spice-enhanced, main dish in this session.

** Shambhu’s stainless steel spice palettes: Nishma will have a limited number of stainless steel spice palettes available, including a supply of key spices to get you going on your curries at home.  Be sure you don’t miss your opportunity to purchase this essential spice kit that every kitchen should have! **

www.shambhus.co.uk/catering-service
www.shambhus.co.uk/adult-classes
www.shambhus.co.uk/children-classes

Elspeth the founder of Elspeth’s Kitchen and Norty Puds will be putting her raw creations to the test by re-creating one of her favourite recipes a Raw Cacao & Hazelnut Tarte with a gooey date caramel centre. Come and see how Elspeth likes to get creative in the kitchen and try one of her delicious desserts. 

Beans and plantain are a taste match made in heaven! In this cookery demo, you will learn how to make a mouth-watering plantain and black-eyed bean curry that is sure to delight your taste buds and impress everyone you know. 

Vegan Cheese Lovers Club will be demonstrating how to make tasty, sliceable, meltable vegan cheese quickly and easily using just a few ingredients and everyday kitchen equipment. There will be samples to try at the end of the demonstration also.

Do you get sick often? Or always feel run down? There’s hope for you! Did you know that eating the right foods can boost your immunity?  Proper nutrition will aid in recovering quickly from an ailment and  prevent future illnesses.  Learn from long time vegan and doctor of Chinese medicine Heather Lounsbury how to eat a balanced, nourishing plant based diet. Heather will give practical tips on how be healthy and thrive.

There seems to be a misconception that changing our diet and/or lifestyle must always be a radical process. This is not necessarily so. Plant based living foods can make an immediate difference by Adding gradually to our current diet and lifestyle, rather than restricting it.

Jill will explain why plant based Living Foods are such a powerhouse of Nutrition; how they benefit us directly; how they impact our health and longevity in such a positive way and why the gradual “One Step at a Time with Guidance” approach works so well.

Join Jill to learn some of the simple things that you can do in your own home, to start or continue on your way!

www.jillswyers.com

A plant based diet can be extremely healthy…But not always. In this talk Dr. Kerley will outline documented health benefits of a healthy plant based diet as well as potential pitfalls those following a plant based diet should be aware of.

Is what you eat really that important in improving your wellbeing and mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and optimising performance?  Neil shares his story of lifelong omnivore to overnight Vegan – half way through training for an Ironman Triathlon, and the siginificant benefits and performance gains he experienced as a result.  Helping to understand how to ensure your lifestyle is supporting you in optimising your wellbeing and how to change your relationship with food to increase your resilience to cope with the ever increasing demands of modern life. 

Stay healthy and raise consciousness with an upgraded plant-based diet. Find out where and how less than optimum health strikes and how rapid reversal of health problems is often achievable with a switch to a plant-based diet.

Have you ever thought that modern medicine is barking up the wrong tree? Check out the evidence and start to bio-hack your way to exalted states of well-being.

Drawing from her experience of nearly three decades on the holistic health path, Kate will discuss what she believes are the most important points to consider to sustain a healthy raw vegan diet. We will talk about what are the best raw foods to include and which are the best to avoid. How to transition easily and achieve your goals effortlessly, without stress and yo-yo-ing. Some of the common bad habits people slip into and ways to avoid them. How to avoid deficiencies on a raw diet. And then, what happens when we start getting it right. The natural highs that come from eating the best foods on the planet. The transformations that start to occur in our lives. And why these personal changes are so important to the wider culture and our global environment. This is cutting edge nutritional teaching, combined with empowering inspiration and wisdom – for your mind, your heart and your body, it’s all in Raw Magic.

It can be a real minefield getting to grips with your options for optimal hormonal health. Throw the fact you’re vegan into the mix, and confusion can abound. Whether your concerns relate to contraception free from animal products, dietary tips to help manage PMS or learning the truth about menopause & HRT, we aim to dispel the myths and set the record straight.

In this talk, I will be covering popular topics such as how to get the right nutrients in your diet, reducing body fat using training methods such as HIIT and weight lifting, the benefits of intermittent fasting to increase size and strength and burn body fat quickly as well as having a question and answer session at the end for all your queries.

Fiona Oakes is hard to categorise.  Vegan since the age of 6, she is a triple Guinness World Record holder being the fastest woman to run a Marathon on every Continent plus the North Pole in both running time and days elapsed and an elite Marathoner, having placed highly in some of the World’s most high profile events as well as being a prolific winner of many road races ranging in distance from 5km to Marathon.  She is also an accomplished ultra runner having competed in many of the most gruelling events – including ‘the world’s toughest footrace’ – Marathon des Sables – three times.  Fiona is the founder of Towerhill Stables Animal Sanctuary, established over 20 years ago in order to provide a forever home to animals – both domestic and ex farmed – and is currently caring for over 450 of them.   Fiona is the subject of an upcoming film, Running for Good, being made by the acclaimed Director, Keegan Kuhn –  maker of the current releases Cowspiracy and What the Health – which aims to document a year in her life illustrating how her unique approach allows her to combine top level athletics with the day to day running of her animal sanctuary and public speaking engagements.  Fiona founded The Fiona Oakes Foundation in 2013 to promote veganism through sport and athletic achievement.  Having won many Awards and accolades for both her work with animals, sporting prowess Fiona dedicates her life to inspiring others to adopt an ethical vegan stance either by introducing them to, and allowing them to interact with, the animals at her Sanctuary enabling them to experience, first hand, their different needs, personalities, beauty, innocence and indigence hence enabling them to make the connection as to why it is so wrong to abuse them way.  She also actively advocates and illustrates the viability and sustainability of veganism by her amazing athletic achievements being globally in demand to speak about all her accomplishments on behalf of the animals.

A group of high-flying vegan sportspeople discuss their success stories and how eating 100% plant-based helps with optimising their performance and recovery en route to success. 

Tim offers 11 simple changes for you to think about in everyday life that could make you feel healthier and more human. How to sleep, breath, what water to drink amongst other tips.

Paul will discuss how much of what we’re told about sports nutrition (especially relative to strength sports) is complete misinformation which he discovered when he switched from a meat heavy diet to eating completely plant based. He puts forth the case that a vegan diet is not just viable for athletes but is in fact optimal. He also speaks of the latest developments in nutrition science that will highly benefit athletes and non-athletes alike. Includes a Q&A session to finish.

Anthony Mullally is a vegan Rugby Player who plays for the Leeds Rhinos. Anthony will be talking about his journey to a vegan lifestyle and the stigmas that go alongside being a vegan athlete. Some people still find it hard to understand how he continues to and maintain his bodyweight and performance on a plant based diet so Anthony will be talking about the misconceptions of the plant based diet in relation to being an athlete.

Through discussing personal experiences and the real world implications of animal exploitation, the talk will delve into how we can all come together to create a vegan world.

Veganism has never been of more interest to the media, but what does the movement want from the media – and how can we get it? Two widely-published vegan journalists discuss their experiences and open a conversation on how we can best seize this moment.

Adam will look at how the driving values of our current socioeconomic model are shaping the animal agriculture industry and it’s impact on life on Earth. Crucially, he will outline and propose a solution to this madness in the form of a Resource-Based Economy.

How do our identities and experiences intersect with our vegan identities and how do they affect the way we engage with veganism?

Trent Grassian will provide concrete tools and resources, drawing from personal experiences as a white, trans social justice and vegan advocate to explore some of the ways privilege can influence our vegan identities and communities.

I have organised two small vegan fairs, in Surrey, over the last 16 months, and would like to share my experience of the process of organising such an event – what’s involved both during the run up, and on the day itself, and how to make it a successful community event.

Working as a vegan educator and animal rights activist can be psychologically challenging. Sandra has over two decades of clinical experience in the field of psychological trauma and burnout. In this lecture she will explain the risk factors of our work and show us how to recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma and burnout. She will discuss our need to be mindful of our methods and motives, and provide some tips for advocacy resilience to enable us to continue working for animal rights without harming ourselves.

Media savvy vegans ‘Angels for the Innocent Foundation’ are bringing a supersonic, celebrity panel to VegfestUK to talk about how each of them has used their professional position in life in order to make a difference for animals and veganism.

Each of the panellists is in the public eye daily and has made life choices to shape their careers towards animal protection and a vegan lifestyle in order to influence others and make a difference. You too can be a positive role model – Come along and find out how.

V for Life is the world’s only charity supporting older vegans and vegetarians. We interviewed a number of older people – some of whom have been veg*n for over 70 years – and have produced this interactive workshop based on themes that emerged in these interviews. This is a chance to hear stories from some of the most longstanding voices of the veg*n community, who might also be some of the least heard within it.

In the last of David Pye’s reincarnation talks he will again relate the amazing work of Dr. Helen Wambach who in the 1970s regressed groups of people to past lives and enabled them to record their experiences. She then correlated the data against historical facts to produce the nearest thing to scientific proof of reincarnation. David couples this with the ground-breaking work of Dr. Michael Newton who hypnotically regressed thousands of individuals to the period before they were born to build a fascinating picture of the life between lives. The question of whether animals have souls and reincarnate the same as humans will also be addressed.

Find love in later life! We welcome all older veg*ns to come along and see if you can meet your match – or just make a new friend.

Vegan nutrition can support excellent health. By the end of this session, you’ll know how to get key nutrients from a totally plant-based diet. You’ll also be aware of topics that deserve special attention if you’re an older vegan, including protein, bone and muscle health, and heart health.

Veganism is part of a considered and compassionate lifestyle. This talk will empower you to speak about veganism positively to friends and family, answering even the most awkward of questions with ease. Find out what you can do to support the wider vegan community, especially those in vulnerable positions, such as care settings. Delivered by charity VfL’s Chief Executive.

Yvonne will talk about managing menopause and strategies to make the most of this turning point in life. Natural supportive ways to relieve symptoms and protect future health.

In his first demo, chef Ollie will demonstrate sweet kombu and ginger tea – a revitalising infusion with healthful minerals, and seaweed & greens pesto. The pesto is delicious with spiralised veg spaghetti or on crackers with vegan cheese and fruit.

What’s it like being an older veg*n in today’s society? What problems face the veg*n population as they age? Come and have your say at our discussion group – all ages welcome!

People often want to help the animals, but are unsure how to do it.  In this talk I’ll share my journey from introvert to activist and how everyone can help the animals.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, The Green Park, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park – Londoners and tourists alike enjoy them as places to relax and reconnect with nature. The animals that inhabit these open spaces, from the more common squirrels, crows, pigeons and geese to the more unusual deer and parakeets, are watched and photographed with joy and fascination. Until recently, however, hardly anyone gave much thought to the killing that goes on behind the scenes. The very animals whom the visitors come to see are culled in astonishingly high numbers. The campaign to address the problem began with a Freedom Information request and followed through the petition stage and beyond. The story of this campaign is the subject of the talk.

Fiona Oakes is the consummate and complete ‘animal activist’ having spent her entire life being aware and active for the animals.  Vegan since 6 years of age, Animal Sanctuary proprietor for over 20 years and triple Guinness World Record holder in Marathon events, accomplished and highly acclaimed Public Speaker – Fiona has spoken out positively, passionately and proactively for the animals in whatever she chooses to do.  In this talk Fiona will share her advice, experiences, key motivators, inspirations and aspirations and endeavour to demonstrate how to unlock your full potential for the good of others as she has endeavoured to do whenever and wherever she can.  The most important message being ‘everyone’s activism is equally important and potentially impactful’ and should be recognised and respected as such.  The greatest and most positive step you can take is to decide to do something rather than to ignore and do nothing in the belief you can’t make that much difference. 

Black Vegfest is coming to New York City in August 2018. Christopher-Sebastian discusses some of the areas surrounding Black Vegfest, especially since its announcement in early March.

It’s not easy staying positive in our pre-vegan world.  In this talk I’ll share tips and strategies that help me.  I’ll then open it up to the group so we can share what keeps our vegan batteries charged.

Vegan activist Brad Simmons leads an in-depth talk about Anonymous for the Voiceless and the Cube of Truth, in addition to sharing his story of going from meat-eater to Assistant Director of one of the fastest growing activism organisations in the animal rights arena. 

For three years Go Vegan World has run an international high profile, public advertising campaign encouraging the public to connect with the animals we use and go vegan. It is unique among vegan education campaigns because it is inspired and informed by the residents of Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary. These animals who have been rescued from the dangerous, hidden world of animal agriculture, feature in most of Go Vegan World’s ads. Who are they? Where have they come from? What do they want from us? What can they teach us? In this lecture Sandra will give a very intimate picture of the very real personalities at Eden who have made history by going out onto the streets to demand the rights of animals everywhere.

Vegan and all-round entertainer Mike Kelson is a comedy writer and performer, actor and singer, and will be  hosting this years Comedy festival after taking the reins at Brighton Vegfest along with a number of music and comedy festivals in the south of England over the last three years.

A regular performer on the circuit and on radio, his cheeky stories and one-liners have been described as ‘subtle as a brick’ and his quips ‘as quick as a wink’. He is however often upstaged by his dog, Harry, which is why he has vowed you’ll never see them performing together live.

“Energetic! Charming! Full of positivity!” Female arts

“Engaging Raconteur!” Three Weeks

“Side splitting! Rib tickling!” Loughborough Echo

“Ishi may be small but her energy & positivity certainly makes up for it! You come out feeling uplifted!” Nottingham Comedy Festival

“Finishing off the night was the very fun Ishi Khan-Jackson. The rough Dudley crowd really took to Ishi’s routine! A lovely woman and a great person to hang around with!” West Midlands Comedy Forum

“Very fun & entertaining. Full of energy & made us all LOL!” Barefoot Festival

“Playful!” Paul Banks- Leicester Comedy Scene.

“Very helpful to everybody!” Mrs Hamwene – 1st grade teacher in Zambia

Ishi is a happy stand up comedian. Her bubbly & charming stage presence puts you at ease immediately. She invites you into her complex world of a being born in Zambia, dreaming in Shakespeare and an Indian Heritage. Her energetic, playful nature draws you in. Expect silliness, colourful Bollywood dancing, infectious laughter yoga and hilarity!

Her latest stand up comedy show, I’mMigrant tackles migration, identity and belonging. This is Ishi’s second stand up show.

In 2013, Ishi took the bold step of creating her 1st solo, show, “I AM HAPPY!” This show was nominated for Funny Women’s Best Show Award. It was awarded a 4 star review by Female Arts and reviewed by the renowned, Three Weeks, “Engaging Raconteur”. This self-produced show toured over 7 cities & many festivals, including Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Ishi has been making people laugh since she was born. She came out crying & they all laughed! Ishi’s first comedy performance was at 5 years of age at Primary School in Zambia.

She took to the stage before a Zambian school assembly of nearly 1800 pupils and teachers. Here she sang one of her grandma’s favourite Amitabh Bachan Hindi songs, which was so lost in translation in Zambia that it caused a roar of laughter! Instead of running off in tears, she carried on till the end of the song, happy to be causing hilarity.

Formally, Ishi has been performing comedy since 2008, when she set up a regular comedy cabaret night. As the resident compere of 2Funny Comedy Cabaret Nights, she juggled with programming the running order with last minute calls of “how to got there?” She loved empowering emerging acts by placing them on the bill with more established Comedians like Sarah Millican, Gary Delaney and Patrick Monahan. 2Funny Comedy Cabaret nights, helped her gain valuable skills as a promoter, event manager & bouncer 🙂

Ishi has been honoured to be a support act for Signatures (Britain’s Got Talent), Sarah Millican; Mock the Week’s Dara O’Brian; John Hegley; Peep show’s Isy Suttie; Paul Foot, Patrick Monahan, Suzy Bennett, Shazia Mirza, Brian Damage & Krystal & Gary Delaney.

Since starting stand up Jamie has performed across the UK, near some of Britain’s most famous comedy venues and arenas.

His performances are a mix of dead-pan ranting with a high hit rate of punchlines, with the occasional song thrown in for good measure, guaranteed to get the audience laughing.

Known affectionately in his home county as ‘The Dark Duke Of Cornwall’, Regan provides an intelligent mixture of macabre gags and stories, all carefully crafted and amiably delivered. As well as plying his trade on the club circuit, Regan has performed on comedy stages at some of the UK’s biggest music festivals and has the uncanny ability to have punks, rowdy stag nights and middle-class grandmas; all laughing together at the same material.

Vegan and all-round entertainer Mike Kelson is a comedy writer and performer, actor and singer, and will be  hosting this years Comedy festival after taking the reins at Brighton Vegfest along with a number of music and comedy festivals in the south of England over the last three years.

A regular performer on the circuit and on radio, his cheeky stories and one-liners have been described as ‘subtle as a brick’ and his quips ‘as quick as a wink’. He is however often upstaged by his dog, Harry, which is why he has vowed you’ll never see them performing together live.

Kahn has a cat, MS, a girlfriend and a hatred of Trump. Sometimes these things get talked about on stage. Other times he goes for the easy option and talks about being vegan…

When he’s not on stage, he runs www.sleazyvegan.co.uk, www.unsaltedpopcorn.blogspot.co.uk or sleeps.

Unsweetened soya milk, as you ask. No sugar. But cake. Always cake.

Unsalted Popcorn Podcast Sleazy Vegan

Hi (!) & Wow! It’s me! Top lad Sean Morley. Here I am with some of the biggest best jokes, really ready to smash the gig, raise the roof, raze the venue and salt the Earth. Fully intending to apply myself utterly and apply pressure on the show from above and within. Today is my day and this year is my year. My resolution is to become exponentially stronger both physically and mentally and amass more boundless energy than I can comfortably contain. I am Sean Morley and none may travel in my wake.

As heard on BBC Radio 2, 4 & 4 Extra.

"Giddily hilarious. And he told not one joke" – Vibrations Magazine

"Setting the bar for alternative comedy" – Our Favourite Places

"Brilliant" – Broadway Baby

“File under unfileable” – The Skinny

Matt Hoss is a young vegan comedian. His comic styling revolves around self-deprecation whilst also being delightfully playful. He approaches anecdotes with severe honesty about his family, his love-life and his embarrassing secrets. Matt’s first hour-long show, Vegetari-Man, was about telling his northern beef-farming family that he was vegan. His new show, 100 Acts Of Morality , discusses veganism further. Matt runs two podcasts: The Drunken Comedian Podcast and Gig Antic. Eric Barker Award 2015 winner.

“Matt Hoss gets the crowd pumped” – Inquire Newspaper

“Comic fans are in for a treat” – Canterbury Times

“Nicely different… his performance was sound” – NottsComedyReview