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Creative and Participatory Inquiry in Practice 2026 is an international research conference hosted by De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. Taking place on 19–20 November 2026, the event brings together academics, practitioners, artists, community organisations and policymakers to explore innovative and collaborative research approaches that create meaningful social impact. The conference focuses on creative inquiry methods, participatory research practices and interdisciplinary collaboration across education, health, arts, social sciences and community development. Conference Overview Research is increasingly moving beyond traditional academic boundaries. This conference demonstrates how collaborative approaches involving researchers and communities can generate practical solutions for real-world challenges. Participants will learn how creative methodologies such as visual arts, storytelling, digital media, performance and participatory action research can improve research outcomes while engaging diverse audiences. Across two days, delegates will experience keynote presentations from internationally recognised scholars, panel discussions, practical workshops and interactive sessions designed to encourage knowledge sharing and partnership development. Why Attend? The conference provides opportunities to: Discover innovative research methodologies. Learn from internationally recognised experts. Share successful case studies. Explore interdisciplinary collaboration. Build partnerships with universities and organisations. Develop practical research skills. Exchange ideas with international delegates. Understand community-engaged research. Gain professional development opportunities. Expand academic and professional networks. Key Themes Topics covered throughout the conference include: Participatory Action Research Creative Research Methods Community Engagement Digital Innovation in Research Arts-Based Methodologies Social Justice Research Inclusive Research Design Public Engagement Knowledge Exchange Policy Impact Each session demonstrates how collaborative research contributes to sustainable social and economic development. Conference Programme The programme features a combination of academic excellence and practical learning, including: Opening keynote address Expert panel discussions Research paper presentations Interactive workshops Poster exhibitions Networking lunches Community partnership sessions Collaborative research showcases Closing reflections and future directions These sessions encourage delegates to exchange ideas while developing new partnerships for future research projects. Featured Speakers Leading researchers and practitioners from UK and international universities will discuss emerging trends in participatory inquiry. Topics include community-led innovation, digital storytelling, inclusive education, environmental research, public health engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. Delegates will gain practical insights that can be applied across higher education, government, healthcare, charities and private industry. Professional Development Participants can strengthen their expertise through practical workshops that demonstrate how to: Design participatory research projects. Engage stakeholders effectively. Collect qualitative data creatively. Improve research impact. Communicate findings to wider audiences. Build long-term research collaborations. These sessions are valuable for both experienced researchers and those beginning their academic careers. Networking Opportunities Dedicated networking sessions provide opportunities to meet: International academics Research funders Community organisations Industry representatives Government agencies Doctoral researchers Policy professionals These interactions often lead to collaborative publications, funded research projects and long-term professional partnerships. Venue The Georgian Rooms at De Montfort University provide an excellent setting for academic conferences. Located on the university's Leicester campus, the venue offers modern conference facilities, comfortable meeting spaces and easy access to city-centre transport links. Delegates can also explore Leicester's cultural attractions, museums, restaurants and historic landmarks during their visit. Benefits for Delegates Attendees will leave with: New research knowledge Practical methodologies International contacts Collaboration opportunities Greater research impact Professional inspiration Access to emerging research trends Enhanced career development The conference aims to encourage innovative thinking while promoting collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Creative and Participatory Inquiry in Practice 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers and professionals interested in collaborative and socially engaged research. Through keynote presentations, interactive workshops and valuable networking opportunities, delegates will gain practical knowledge that supports impactful research and innovation. Hosted by De Montfort University, this event continues the university's commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and strengthening partnerships that address global challenges.

The Watford Classic Car Meet serves as a fantastic regional celebration dedicated to preserving automotive heritage and showcasing vintage engineering excellence. Organized for enthusiasts, collectors, and casual admirers alike, this upcoming event brings together a magnificent assembly of retro automobiles, historic motorcycles, and commercial vintage vehicles from decades past. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Watford, the gathering provides a welcoming community atmosphere where owners can proudly display their meticulously restored machines while sharing fascinating restoration stories. Whether you are a dedicated grease-monkey, a vintage design aficionado, or simply looking for an engaging family day out, this meetup offers a brilliant window into automotive history and engineering craftsmanship. Exhibition and Vehicle Showcase Participants and visitors will experience an incredible outdoor exhibition featuring rare models spanning early 20th-century roadsters to iconic post-war classics and retro cruisers. Vehicle owners will be on hand to discuss the intricate details of their restoration journeys, sourcing rare spare parts, and maintaining mechanical authenticity. The layout encourages a relaxed, walk-around format that gives everyone up-close access to polished chrome, roaring vintage engines, and timeless coachwork designs. Enthusiasts can trade advice, inspect unique engine bays, and appreciate the rich evolution of automotive design through the generations in a friendly, communal environment. Community Engagement and Heritage Beyond the stunning display of vehicles, the event emphasizes community camaraderie and charitable support. Attendees can enjoy engaging conversations with fellow club members, learn about upcoming regional road runs, and discover local preservation projects. Food and beverage stalls will be available on-site, offering refreshments to keep everyone energized throughout the day. This gathering stands as a testament to the enduring love for classic transport, creating a brilliant platform for generations to connect over shared memories, heritage craftsmanship, and the pure joy of motoring history.

Echo Creative: The North East Arts Summit is a vibrant celebration and professional development gathering for the region's cultural sector. Held in the iconic Baltic Centre, this summit aims to empower artists, performers, and creative entrepreneurs by providing them with the business tools they need to thrive. While the North East is famous for its rich cultural heritage, Echo Creative focuses on the future, exploring how digital platforms and new funding models are changing the way art is produced and consumed. The summit features a series of masterclasses led by industry veterans, covering topics such as "The Art of the Grant Application," "Building a Digital Brand for Artists," and "Navigating Intellectual Property in the Age of AI." These sessions are designed to be practical and immediately applicable, helping local creators turn their passion into a sustainable career. In the main hall, a "Collaboration Fair" will take place, where musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers can meet to pitch projects and find cross-disciplinary partners. A highlight of the summit is the "Creative Pitch" competition, where selected finalists will present their project ideas to a panel of arts council representatives and private philanthropists for a chance to win seed funding. This high-energy event showcases the sheer diversity of talent in Newcastle and the surrounding areas. The evening concludes with a performance showcase featuring local poets, musicians, and digital artists, turning the Baltic into a living gallery of Northern innovation. Echo Creative is the essential meeting point for anyone who believes that art is the heartbeat of the city.

The MuseumNext Creative Museums Summit 2026 celebrates the museum not just as a place of study, but as a vibrant engine of creativity. This summit is dedicated to exploring how institutions can foster a culture of innovation—both within their internal teams and among their visitors. Taking place in the culturally rich city of Newcastle, the event looks at the museum as a studio, a laboratory, and a playground where the past inspires the future. The conference program is designed to spark "uninhibited fresh thinking." It covers topics such as design thinking for museum staff, the role of artist residencies in heritage sites, and how to turn passive visitors into active creators. The summit also explores the business of creativity—how creative approaches can lead to more sustainable financial models and stronger brand identities for cultural institutions. It challenges the traditional hierarchies of the museum world, encouraging a more democratic and experimental approach to curation and management. Participants will experience the "creative pulse" of Newcastle through site visits and evening networking events in the city’s thriving Ouseburn Valley. The summit emphasizes the importance of failure as a prerequisite for innovation, sharing honest "war stories" from museum leaders who have taken risks and learned from them. It is an ideal gathering for those who feel the traditional museum model needs a creative jolt and are looking for the inspiration and network to make it happen.