The Big Saturday School - Planet Action 💥
About The Big Saturday School (TBSS)
The Big Saturday School (TBSS), powered by YouthTheGap, reconceptualises traditional Saturday school models to challenge, to think critically and to take action.
With community empowered at the centre, we resource, produce and host culturally, intentionally and honestly. We break the 4th wall by inspiring radical dialogues that identify gaps and inequities in societal landscapes, to lead with and make a long-term, social impact.
The Big Saturday School isn’t just your typical, corporate conference. We bring our vision of alternative education to life by planting, nurturing and promoting life cycles of idea generation - no matter how big or small.
A one-day ‘unconference’ with a blend of 20-minute, bite-size talks. 4 acts, 12 speakers and all tackling one theme; you are not just a spectator, but a co-collaborator in reimagining the world of education.
With the power of storytelling, we break systemic barriers into academia to foster accessible and meaningful pathways in learning the very things school never taught you.
A London take-over at the Kurdish Community Centre to invite and anchor community in building collectively, for a world we all can thrive in.
Dare to conjure, to confront and collaborate.
Timings
10am - Open Time
10am - 10:25am - settling in
10:30am - act one starts
10:30am - 11:30am - act one
11:30am - 12pm - BREAK
12pm - 1pm - act two
1pm - 2pm - BREAK
2pm - 3pm - act three
3pm - 3:30pm - BREAK
3:30pm - 4:30pm - act four
4:30pm - 4:55pm - settling out
5pm - Close
Speakers
ACT ONE: The Past - How can we take informed action from history, legacies and ancestry?
Theevan Michelas: UK coordinator for Phoenix TNG
Holly Gregory: Writer, Activist and Founder of Tools for Resistance
Bobby Brown: Creative producer, Artist manager, and Founder of The New Society, Creative Communities Producer at Lighthouse, Programme Lead for Future Bubblers
ACT TWO: The Present - How “Planet Action” is/isn’t happening now?
Erdem Kuslu: Artist & Educator in decolonising Art, Technology & Society
Megan Cooper: Trauma-informed therapist, holistic health coach, and host of the Higher Love with Megan podcast
Annabelle Woghiren: TEDx & Public Speaker, Activist and Educator using digital media, public speaking and advocacy to advance social justice, human rights and anti-racism
ACT THREE: The Future - When “Planet Action” is our future
Natasha Samrai: Senior Equity Practitioner at Class 13
Maryam Javaid: TEDx speaker, thought leader and founder of Black & Brown Parenting
Joycelyn Longdon: Award-Winning Environmental Justice Technologist, Writer, Communicator and PhD Candidate at the University of Cambridge
ACT FOUR: The Conditional - What if we don’t take action?
Jenn Lewis: CEO of Communities Empowerment Network
Busayo Twins: TEDx speaker, Political Commentator and Content Creator, Creator and Host of the Everything is Political series
IAM Tariq: Spoken Word Artist, Creative Educator and Co-Founder of House of VOX
FAQ
Who is this event for?
Anyone who wants to think critically, act meaningfully, and connect with others doing the same. You don't need a job title, a degree, or any prior knowledge of social action. If you're curious, care about the planet, and want to be part of something community-led, you're exactly who this is for.
What does "Planet Action - The Time Is Now!" mean for this event?
Planet Action is the lens through which the whole day is shaped. Speakers, workshops, and conversations will explore the intersections of climate, community, identity, and systemic change: the things school never taught us. Expect radical honesty, fresh perspectives, and practical pathways for taking action in ways that feel real and personal to you.
What does "bite-size talks" mean and what's the format like?
Talks are kept to around 20 minutes: focused, punchy, and designed to spark ideas rather than lecture you. You're not here as a passive audience. TBSS breaks the fourth wall, so you're a co-collaborator in the room, not just a spectator. There'll be space for questions, reactions, and real conversation between sessions.
Will I be expected to participate or can I just listen?
There's no pressure to participate beyond your comfort level. Some moments will invite you to engage, share, or move; others are purely to listen and absorb. You set your own level of involvement. What matters most is that you show up as yourself.
LOCATION AND GETTING HERE
Where is the event?
Kurdish Community Centre 11 Portland Gardens, Harringay Ladder, London N4 1HU
The venue is a community-rooted space in north London, chosen intentionally to anchor the day in the local area.
How do I get there by public transport?
Harringay Green Lanes (Overground) - a short walk away Manor House (Piccadilly Line) - around 10 to 15 minutes on foot Several bus routes serve the Harringay area
We encourage sustainable travel where possible. Come by bike, bus, or train.
TICKETS
What are the different ticket waves?
Tickets are released in four waves, and each wave may be priced differently to reward early supporters. Grab a first or second wave ticket if you can. They go fast and help us cover early costs so we can keep the event as accessible as possible.
Do I need a crypto wallet to get a ticket?
For some ticket types, you may be asked to verify token ownership via a crypto wallet. If you don't have one and are unsure how to proceed, get in touch with YouthTheGap directly and we'll help you find a route to attending.
What's included in my ticket?
Your ticket gives you access to the full day, including all four acts, break spaces, and any community activities. Specific inclusions (food, materials, etc.) will be confirmed closer to the event. Keep an eye on updates from YouthTheGap on Luma.
COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
I'm coming alone. Will I feel welcome?
Absolutely. TBSS is designed around community and many people come solo and leave with new connections. The format naturally creates space to meet people, share ideas, and feel part of something collective. You won't be left standing awkwardly in a corner, we make sure of it.
Can I bring my pet/s?
This venue is animal-friendly, however, we are only permitting service animals to have access to this event. This can look like:
Guide dogs: Lead the way for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Hearing dogs: Alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds like alarms or knocks.
Medical alert dogs: Warn handlers about dangerous health events like low blood sugar or oncoming seizures.
Psychiatric or PTSD assistance dogs: Help people with mental health conditions by performing calming tasks or creating personal space.
Can I get involved as a speaker, workshop facilitator, or volunteer?
Yes, we'd love to hear from you. We are also looking for:
Sponsors
Event Partners
Volunteers
TBSS is community-powered, so if you have a skill, a story, or a perspective on Planet Action worth sharing, reach out to YouthTheGap through Luma or their social channels. No gatekeeping here, just bring what you've got.
What happens after the event?
The Big Saturday School doesn't end at 5pm. YouthTheGap builds ongoing activations, so the conversations, the connections, and the action you start here can continue long after. Follow YouthTheGap for updates on future editions, community spaces, and ways to keep the momentum going.
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
Is the event accessible?
Inclusion is a core value, not an afterthought. This includes:
·Wheelchair-accessible toilets
·Quiet spaces and rest areas
·Clear signage and calm zones
·Level access and step-free routes
If you have specific access needs, whether physical, sensory, neurodivergent, or otherwise, please fill in your accessibility requirements when you sign up for your ticket, and contact YouthTheGap before the event so we can make sure you're fully supported.
More access details will be published ahead of the day.
I have more questions. Who do I contact?
Use the "Contact the Host" option on the Luma event page to reach YouthTheGap directly. They're a small, community-driven team, so expect a human on the other end.