Expert speakers talk money at Kingston Festival of Ideas

Expert economists are coming to Kingston in October to explore finances in the modern world.

Author Diane Coyle, who is vice-chair of the BBC Trust, and liberal economist and academic Dr Tim Leunig will be among the speakers in Kingston’s month-long Festival of Ideas whose theme this year is money.

Think in Kingston have organised the annual event with Kingston University, local libraries and churches hosting most of the events.

Organiser Jeannette James is very happy with the range of speakers they have been able to recruit. She said: “The two events we are most excited about is the first event on October 1, where we have two speakers from Kingston Fairtrade and Diane Coyle as she is a well known author within her field.”

The festival has been running since 2005 and was originally funded by the council who have had to cut spending but are still advertising it.

Local groups such as Kingston Fairtrade Group, Kingston Amnesty and Kingston Peace Council/CND have helped to fund the events. Kingstonfirst are the sponsor.

Chief executive Ros Morgan said: “Kingstonfirst is delighted to sponsor Think in Kingston’s Festival of Ideas and we’re looking forward to some lively discussion and debate around the town. We welcome events like this which give people a reason to come into Kingston in the early evening, as well as to stay on after work or shopping.

“Events like this reinforce what a well-rounded borough we are; where you’ve got great shopping, history, beautiful riverside and an open minded and positive community.”

Ms James confirmed that all the events are free and open to everyone.

The full programme of events with dates, times, venues and details can be found at www.thinkinkingston.org.uk.