A new ideas festival in Bruton is set to bring some of the biggest names in politics, culture and the arts to Somerset this autumn, with organisers promising “lively debate” and a space where disagreement is welcome.
Big Brue, which billed as offering big ideas in a small town setting, will debut at Hauser & Wirth arts venue in Bruton, Somerset over the weekend of September 19 - 20 2026.
The talks-led event has been created by broadcasters and writers Mariella Frostrup and Catherine Fairweather, human rights lawyer Jason McCue and festival producer Eleanor O’Keeffe.
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The line-up announced so far includes Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Bob Geldof KBE, Dame Prue Leith, former Chancellor George Osborne, writer and historian William Dalrymple, actor Dominic West, ballet star Carlos Acosta, fashion designer Alice Temperley MBE and war photographer Sir Don McCullin, with more names to be announced.
“If you don’t get people talking, you can’t solve anything,” said Jason McCue.
“With Big Brue we are bringing international voices in, and getting local voices heard. We firmly believe that progress comes from difference and disagreement, so we are here to stir things up and help make sense of the world!”
Mariella Frostrup said the aim is to make audiences part of the conversation, not just listeners.
“The idea is not just to hold another talks festival. We’re creating a space where ideas are presented and tested, where disagreement is welcome so long as it’s agreeable, and audiences are participants as well as spectators.”
She added that rural communities like Bruton are often left out of national debate and cultural discourse, something the festival is aiming to rectify. Mariella said: “Small towns like Bruton have a lot to contribute but rural communities are rarely given the stage.
"Long term, we’d like to open up opportunities for more public debate in similar locations, where people can come together, share ideas, be outraged and inspired, discover something new and feel part of a larger conversation.”
The programme will run across several strands, including headline 'Keynotes & Big Issues' covering topics from politics and identity to climate and culture; 'Community & Workshops' for local audiences, schools and young people; and 'The Hub', a central space with live music, food, informal events and a Speakers’ Corner-style platform.
Music will be curated by Danny Goffey of Supergrass, with performances from local musicians, schools and visiting artists.
Travel editor and festival co-founder Catherine Fairweather said: “There is a unique magnetism to this ancient town. It has drawn a remarkable range of artists, writers and thinkers into its orbit, and we wanted to create something that reflects that spirit — open, curious and full of possibility.”
Big Brue will work with local schools to shape parts of the programme, linking education and future opportunities, and tickets range from £20 per talk to £140 for a weekend pass.
The event will be held at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Bruton, with full details on the festival website.
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