The Social Liberal Forum (SLF) has unveiled a pair of high-profile keynote speakers for its signature Pre-Conference Social ahead of the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference in Brighton.
Taking place on Friday, 18th September 2026, at the iconic Brighton i360, the evening will feature guest appearances from Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero Pippa Heylings MP, alongside former Cambridge MP David Howarth, who will be launching his new book, Being Liberal: The Liberal Disposition in Contemporary British Politics.
A High-Altitude Start to Conference Weekend
Set 450 feet above the Sussex coastline aboard Europe’s highest moving observation tower, the event promises to combine political discussion, networking, and panoramic coastal views.
The schedule for the evening includes:
- 7:00 PM: Doors open & Buffet served (vegetarian options provided; vegan and gluten-free catered upon request)
- 8:00 PM: Guest speeches from Pippa Heylings MP and David Howarth
- 9:00 PM: Private 30-minute flight aboard the i360 pod
- 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Evening drinks reception and networking
About the book
In his new book, David Howarth examines the core instincts and enduring relevance of British Liberals, identifying key traits of the liberal disposition:
- openness
- resistance to power abuse
- a non-judgmental attitude
- treating people as individuals
- rejecting hierarchy and bombast
- valuing reason
- seeking compromise.
and explaining why countering modern anti-liberal sentiment is critical to today’s political landscape.
Key booking information and pricing
As the Federal Conference represents SLF’s largest event of the year, proceeds from ticket sales directly support the organization’s campaigning presence throughout the rest of the conference weekend.
Organizers have highlighted two critical details for prospective attendees:
- Advance Booking Only: Tickets must be purchased in advance to accommodate venue catering headcounts. No tickets will be sold at the door.
- SLF Exclusive: The social is an independent pre-conference gathering and will not be listed in the official Liberal Democrat conference directory or handbook.
Ticket options and rates
Ticket packages range from £5 to £70 depending on entry time and pod flight inclusion. There is a special offer for Young Liberals and people on low incomes. Click here to find more details on the various ticket options on the SLF website.
Early Bird rates are active through Monday, 24th August, with all ticket sales officially closing on Friday, 11th September.
The Brighton i360 venue and observation pod are fully wheelchair accessible.
Photo of i-360 is free for use under the Pixabay Content License
* Geoff Payne is a member of the SLF council
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5 Comments
I agree that those traits are central to our approach to politics.
I think it is worth pointing out how these traits distinguish Liberals from those on the left be they socialists or even social democrats.
For example, “ treating people as individuals“ – those on the left don’t tend to see individuals but see people as members of identity groups, be that by social class, sex, sexual orientation, race etc.
Liberals see people, and treat people, as individuals.
Whilst wishing the event and participants every success, I hope that the choice of venue doesn’t detract from any wider reporting. Quite apart from the obvious ‘head in the clouds’ or ‘pie in the sky’ connotations, the tower is a financial disaster and widely thought of as an eyesore. The Brighton and Hove Council taxpayers are still paying off the interest on the £50 million bail-out they had no choice in funding, following the predicted financial collapse of the development. Quite why the i360 rescue had priority over the City’s other needs is unclear, although a council tax rise of 4.99% is clear enough.
“Treating people as individuals” – these traits can and are seen by people on the left. Social liberalism is not a classic centre right liberal philosophy. It is a centre left/left one. People such as myself and others who identify by identity groups such as race, gender/gender identity, class, disability, nationality etc. do so as individuals in their own right; often under-represented in institutions and where decisions are made that affect them directly. That’s why we have DEI. Munira Wilson MP spoke very passionately on Any Questions recently about the effects of removing it Trump-style on her career, and that of many others.
“those on the left don’t tend to see individuals but see people as members of identity groups,” so do many on the Right, using “identity groups” to divide people.
Jana 21st Aug ’26 – 12:59pm……I agree that those traits are central to our approach to politics.
I think it is worth pointing out how these traits distinguish Liberals from those on the left be they socialists or even social democrats.
For example, “ treating people as individuals“ – those on the left don’t tend to see individuals but see people as members of identity groups, be that by social class, sex, sexual orientation, race etc.
Liberals see people, and treat people, as individuals..
You mean just like you treat “Those on the left” as a ‘homogenous bloc’?… I’d check the “beam in your eye” before complaining about the ‘mote in mine’