Yeonmi Park — Telegraph Article
October 6, 2014
Yeonmi Park was featured in a Telegraph article following her powerful appearance at TEDxYouth @Bath, sharing her extraordinary story of escape and resilience.
Read More
Welcome to TEDx Youth Bath — an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED, bringing inspiring ideas and powerful stories to young people across the Bath community.
A TEDx event is more than just a conference — it is a gathering of curious minds, a space where ideas collide and new perspectives take root. At TEDx YouthBath, the focus is squarely on young people, giving them a platform to explore topics that matter deeply to their generation. The atmosphere is electric with possibility, as students, creators, and thinkers come together to share experiences that might otherwise go unheard in the rush of everyday life. Every talk, every conversation, and every moment of the day is designed to spark something lasting, something that lingers long after the final applause has faded.
The power of a well-told story cannot be overstated. Across the programme, speakers from diverse backgrounds take to the stage to share personal journeys, scientific discoveries, artistic breakthroughs, and social insights. These are not abstract lectures delivered from a distance — they are intimate, human narratives that connect directly with the audience. A young beatbox performer might follow a digital designer, who in turn is followed by a health researcher, and somehow the thread of inspiration runs unbroken through them all. That is the magic of the TEDx format: unexpected connections that leave everyone thinking differently.
Community lies at the heart of everything TEDx YouthBath represents. The event is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers who believe passionately in the power of ideas to shape the future. Months of planning go into curating a lineup that reflects the energy and diversity of Bath and its surrounding areas. Local schools, universities, arts collectives, and independent businesses all play a part in making the day feel genuinely rooted in the city. It is a celebration not just of speakers on a stage, but of an entire community that values creativity, dialogue, and forward momentum.
Technology and innovation feature prominently in the conversations that unfold. From app development and digital design to film production and emerging media, the programme embraces the tools that are reshaping how young people learn, connect, and express themselves. Speakers explore what it means to build a digital product, launch a creative project, or use social platforms for positive impact. These talks go beyond surface-level trends, digging into the ethics, the opportunities, and the responsibilities that come with living in an increasingly connected world. The future is being written in code and creativity, and this generation is holding the pen.
Art and creativity are woven into the fabric of the event in ways both subtle and spectacular. Live performances punctuate the day, offering moments of reflection and wonder between the talks. Craftivism, independent cinema, beatboxing, and visual storytelling all find a home on the TEDx YouthBath stage. The message is clear: creative expression is not a luxury or an afterthought — it is a fundamental way of understanding the world and communicating what matters most. When a young artist shares their work, they are not simply entertaining; they are inviting the audience to see through a different lens.
Education and personal development are recurring themes that resonate throughout the programme. Talks often explore how learning happens beyond the classroom — through travel, through failure, through mentorship, and through the quiet determination to build something meaningful. University students and school pupils alike find common ground in stories of resilience and growth. The event underscores the idea that education is not a fixed destination but a lifelong journey, one that thrives on curiosity and the willingness to ask difficult questions. Every attendee leaves with a renewed sense of what they might achieve.
The ripple effect of a single TEDx event can be extraordinary. Talks recorded on the day go on to reach global audiences through YouTube and other digital channels, extending the conversation far beyond the walls of the venue. Ideas born in Bath find their way into classrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms around the world. This amplification is a core part of the TEDx mission: to take local insights and give them a worldwide platform. For speakers, the experience can be transformative, opening doors to new collaborations, new audiences, and new ways of thinking about their own work and its potential impact.
Inclusivity and accessibility are principles that guide every aspect of the event. The organising team works hard to ensure that the programme reflects a broad spectrum of voices, backgrounds, and disciplines. Science sits alongside social justice, business alongside beatboxing, health alongside digital media. This deliberate eclecticism sends a powerful message: great ideas do not belong to any single field or demographic. They emerge wherever people are willing to think deeply, speak honestly, and listen openly. A truly inspiring day is one where everyone in the room can see something of themselves on stage.
Looking ahead, TEDx YouthBath continues to evolve as a vital part of the city's cultural calendar. Each edition builds on the last, drawing in new speakers, new partners, and new audiences eager to be part of something larger than themselves. The event stands as a reminder that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are already shaping the world today through their ideas, their creativity, and their refusal to accept things as they are. In a time of rapid change and uncertainty, gatherings like this offer something precious: a space to pause, to listen, and to imagine what comes next.
Shaping Our Future — Highlights from the Event
Explore the EventHear from remarkable speakers sharing ideas worth spreading. Past events have featured voices that challenge, move, and motivate young audiences across Bath.
Afternoon sessions run in World Cafe format, giving attendees the chance to dive deeper into the day's themes through small-group conversation and collaborative thinking.
Can't make it in person? A livestream option has been available so that anyone can follow the event remotely and still be part of the experience.
"I feel more confident and inspired in my school work."
October 6, 2014
Yeonmi Park was featured in a Telegraph article following her powerful appearance at TEDxYouth @Bath, sharing her extraordinary story of escape and resilience.
Read MoreSeptember 11, 2014
A new season of TEDxYouth @Bath kicked off with fresh energy, new speakers, and a renewed commitment to spreading ideas among young people in the city.
Read MoreJuly 8, 2014
Sahar Hashemi OBE — entrepreneur and author — was confirmed as a speaker, bringing her insights on creativity and enterprise to the TEDxYouth @Bath stage.
Read More