PowerShift 2026

This year's UKYCC PowerShift conference is taking place on Saturday 17th October at Manchester Museum .

Greater Manchester has been a hotbed of political activity this year so where else would be better placed to host a day of learning, collaboration and activism on how young poeple can become more engaged in politics. An important theme of this year's conference is the politics of hope and how young people can meaningfully participate in policy-making processes about their futures.

Expect a jam-packed programme with workshops led my local entrepreneurs and activists, opportunities to speak with your MPs, including Hannah Spencer and Afzal Khan , creative sessions to get you imagining a better future and plenty of opportunities to network and debate the biggest social and environmental justice issues facing this generation.

Whether it be the cost of living, migrant justice, climate justice, women's rights or something else that you're passionate about, there is a place for you to discuss it all throughout the day.

Whether you are completely new to politics or have been engaged for a while, there is something for everyone throughout the day!

Registration starts from 9:30am on the top floor of Manchester Museum, with the first session starting promptly at 10:00am. Lunch will be served and refreshments offered throughout the day. Full details and programme will be announced shortly.

There will be creative drop-in sessions, board game stations, careers talks and a book swap happening all day as well as the programmed schedule so you can dip in and out of things as you see fit. The book swap is not themed so do bring anything along you think is worth a read, whether that's on social justice, economics, thriller or your latest fantasy read!

This event is aimed at young people between the ages of 18-29 - by signing up you confirm you are 18+ . The event is free to join. As a non-profit organisation funded entirely through grants and donations, we do encourage you to consider donating towards the running costs of this event if you are able to do so. Without donations, we wouldn't be able to continue to operate!

Accessibility

❌ We have people in the Museum who have severe allergies to watermelon . Please do not bring watermelon in the Museum even in a sealed container.

😷 Covid 19 still presents a threat to public health, and especially to the clinically vulnerable. To ensure our events are safe for all to attend, UKYCC's Covid policy means that all attendees must wear a mask at all times during the event. You may remove them for refreshments and whilst eating lunch. We recommend wearing a FFP2 mask and will have some at the registration desk for those that need them.

Of course, we understand that some people are unable to wear a mask for health reasons and we will not ask for proof if you choose not to wear a mask.

♿️The event will be taking place on the Top Floor of Manchester Museum. This can be accessed via lifts to the…