Last year, we hosted our first 21st Century Social Clubs annual conference at the Mildmay Club in London. Following its success we’re really excited to announce that 2026’s event will take place on Thursday 10th September at Redhills Durham. Originally known as Durham Miners’ Hall, it has recently reopened after a £14m renovation, and the beautifully restored “Pitman's Parliament” will be the main space for our mid-week conference.

It’s essential now that we keep the momentum built over the past 18 months going and that’s why I’m so thrilled that the Centre for Democratic Business will be hosting another of these gatherings at Redhills this September.

— Kirsty McNeill MP

This year’s event will build on the progress from last year, including publishing new research, meeting government ministers and visiting No.10, launching a new report calling for a 21st Century Social Club Charter, recognition in the Government’s £5bn Pride in Place strategy, and our national crowdfunding campaign. 

We will announce the conference programme in March, but you can expect sessions on the role of clubs in providing access to social infrastructure, becoming new spaces for arts and culture, and improving personal and community wellbeing across our country's neighbourhoods and high streets.

Who's it for?

• Social club members and managers

• Policymakers and funders 

• Civil society organisations and researchers

• Heritage bodies and built environment

Register your interest

Be the first to be alerted when we release tickets* by filling out this registration form. 

*Standard tickets are £50. There will also be concessions available.

Event sponsorship

We’re looking for organisations to sponsor the conference. If you’re interested in finding out more, email our team on jonny@democraticbusiness.org.

Last year's event

Opening Speech – Jonny Gordon-Farleigh, Co-director of Centre for Democratic Business

Keynote Speech – Kirsty McNeil, MP for Midlothian

Last year’s conference felt like a genuine landmark event for the future of Britain's social clubs, shining a light on the unique potential that these member-owned and locally-rooted clubs have to create spaces that bring communities together.

– Oliver Holtaway, Popular