Events by The James Cook University Hospital

The Dundee Vegan Festival stands as a premier celebration of ethical living, plant-based innovation, and sustainable lifestyle practices in Scotland. Hosted at the historic Bonar Hall, this vibrant one-day gathering brings together local and international vendors, passionate activists, culinary artisans, and curious visitors. Whether you are a dedicated lifelong vegan or simply eager to explore a healthier, more eco-conscious lifestyle, the Dundee Vegan Festival offers an enriching environment designed to educate, inspire, and delight audiences of all ages. Culinary Excellence and Street Food Market At the heart of the event is an expansive exhibition hall packed with over 60 specialist stalls. Visitors can embark on a rich culinary journey featuring global plant-based street food caterers. From indulgent artisan cheeses, gourmet burgers, and wood-fired pizzas to authentic international dishes, decadent pastries, and wholesome raw desserts, every food lover will find something extraordinary. The festival showcases cutting-edge plant-based alternatives that match traditional cuisine in both flavor and texture, proving that ethical eating requires no compromise on taste. Ethical Shopping and Eco-Friendly Goods Beyond the delicious food options, the Dundee Vegan Festival serves as a massive marketplace for conscious consumerism. Attendees can discover an impressive collection of cruelty-free skincare products, organic cosmetics, hand-poured soy candles, non-leather footwear, and ethically produced apparel. Independent retailers and charity organizations gather to showcase products made without animal exploitation or unnecessary environmental damage. Shopping directly from small businesses allows attendees to support passionate entrepreneurs who actively contribute to a greener future. Educational Talks, Demos, and Wellness Sessions Education and empowerment are central to the festival's mission. Throughout the day, a curated schedule of expert speakers, nutritionists, and chefs take the stage to share actionable insights on plant-based nutrition, sustainable living, animal welfare, and eco-conscious daily practices. Live cooking demonstrations offer practical recipes that can be easily recreated at home. Additionally, the festival emphasizes holistic health with interactive wellness sessions—such as guided sound baths and mindfulness talks—providing a refreshing space for self-care and mental well-being. Community, Connection, and Inclusivity More than just a market, the Dundee Vegan Festival is a supportive community Hub. It provides a welcoming environment where attendees can connect with like-minded individuals, share personal experiences, and ask questions without judgment. With accessible facilities, affordable ticket options, fast-track VIP packages, and free entry for children under 16, the festival ensures an inclusive day out for families, friends, and solo explorers alike. Mark your calendar for this essential Scottish event and take part in a movement driving positive change for animals, personal health, and the planet.

The Floss & Rock Autumn Toy & Gift Showcase 2026 stands as a premier gathering for retail professionals, wholesale distributors, and eco-conscious brand managers across the global toy and gift sectors. Held in the iconic coastal town of Blackpool, England—the birthplace and proud headquarters of Floss & Rock—this three-day trade exhibition highlights the very best in traditional, plastic-free, and imaginative play. Attendees will experience firsthand how thoughtful craftsmanship, vibrant modern illustrations, and strict environmental standards can harmonize to create world-class children's products. Unveiling the Autumn/Winter Product Collections At the center of this showcase is the grand debut of Floss & Rock's newest seasonal line-up. Built around screen-free play values for children aged two to ten, the upcoming collections focus on tactile engagement and creative development. Visitors will explore interactive display booths showcasing magnetic dress-up sets, color-changing magic water cards, reusable play boxes, jigsaw puzzles, and eco-friendly umbrellas. Every item on display reflects the brand's firm dedication to eliminating single-use plastics and utilizing responsibly sourced materials, offering retail buyers high-margin inventory that resonates with modern, environmentally conscious parents. Sustainable Innovation and Industry Leadership As a recipient of the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade, Floss & Rock brings significant industry leadership to the stage. Throughout the event, founders Tim and Gill, alongside senior product designers, will lead targeted discussions examining the future of eco-friendly toy production. These sessions will delve into the logistical and material advancements required to produce safe, non-toxic, and durable toys that meet demanding international quality criteria. Attendees will gain actionable insights into supply chain transparency, sustainable packaging alternatives, and strategies for navigating evolving global trade regulations in the children's retail marketplace. Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Demonstrations Beyond passive viewing, the showcase incorporates dynamic, hands-on workshops designed to give attendees a clear understanding of product functionality and retail merchandising potential. Live product testing zones allow retail buyers to directly experience the durability, artistic appeal, and play value of the latest crafts, games, and stationery items. In addition, specialized merchandising seminars will offer practical advice on window display arrangements, point-of-sale setups, and digital marketing strategies tailored specifically to boutique gift stores and independent toy retailers seeking to boost store footfall. B2B Networking and Global Partnership Opportunities Networking remains a core pillar of the Blackpool showcase. Designed to foster long-term business partnerships, the event provides dedicated buyer lounges and pre-scheduled B2B meeting spaces where international distributors, boutique shop owners, and high-street purchasing agents can connect directly with the Floss & Rock team. Whether seeking exclusive regional distribution rights, exploring private bulk orders, or simply refreshing store inventory ahead of the peak holiday retail season, attendees will find an open, collaborative atmosphere tailored to business growth. Join Us in the Heart of Blackpool Set against the historic backdrop of Blackpool's Winter Gardens, this event perfectly blends professional commercial opportunities with the unique seaside heritage that inspired the Floss & Rock brand name. Retail leaders and industry innovators are invited to register early to secure access to exclusive trade pricing, complimentary product samples, and direct entry into all keynote panels and creative workshops. Elevate your product offerings, embrace sustainable retail trends, and experience the warmth and creativity of Floss & Rock this August in Blackpool.

The South Tees Health Innovation & Research Summit is a flagship event hosted at The James Cook University Hospital, designed to bridge the gap between frontline clinical practice and cutting-edge medical research. As a major tertiary center and one of the largest hospitals in the UK, James Cook University Hospital serves as the perfect backdrop for a day dedicated to the evolution of patient care through technology and evidence-based medicine. This summit brings together the brightest minds in the North East's medical community to discuss the future of the NHS and the specific healthcare challenges facing the Middlesbrough and Teesside regions. The 2026 summit focuses heavily on "The Digital Clinician," exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning are being integrated into daily hospital workflows. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers who are pioneers in robotic surgery and genomic medicine. The event is structured to encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue, allowing surgeons, nurses, data scientists, and administrative leaders to collaborate on solutions for improving patient outcomes and streamlining hospital efficiency. Beyond the formal presentations, the Academic Centre will host a series of breakout rooms where ongoing clinical trials at the hospital will be showcased, providing a transparent look at the life-saving work happening within the trust. A significant portion of the afternoon is dedicated to the "Patient Voice" initiative. This segment highlights how research and innovation directly impact the lives of people in Middlesbrough. Local patients who have participated in clinical trials at James Cook will share their journeys, providing a grounded, human perspective to the data-heavy scientific discussions. This ensures that while we talk about high-tech solutions, the core mission—compassionate care—remains at the heart of the conversation. The summit also serves as a vital networking hub for the region's burgeoning life sciences sector. By fostering partnerships between the NHS and private industry, the event aims to accelerate the adoption of new medical devices and digital health tools. For those looking to enter the field or advance their careers, the summit provides unparalleled access to senior consultants and research leads. Whether you are interested in the latest developments in cardiology, neurosciences, or oncology—all areas where James Cook University Hospital excels—this summit offers a comprehensive look at the state of modern healthcare. It is more than just a meeting; it is a catalyst for change in the South Tees community.