From Local Stories to Worldwide Impact

TEDxGosport has officially taken Gosport’s creativity to a global audience. Following its successful launch event at Brodrick Hall, the independently organised conference has already reached over 13,000 viewers worldwide, shining a spotlight on the town’s thinkers, storytellers and changemakers.

A Journey from Auditions to Applause

Starting with more than 100 speaker applications, the event’s organisers carefully selected 14 individuals to share their ideas worth spreading. Their talks covered themes of courage, resilience, community and creativity, each deeply rooted in local experiences with universal relevance.
Two talks, from Rob Bentley and Martin Birch-Foster, were chosen as official TEDx Editors’ Picks, propelling Gosport’s stories to an even wider audience through the global TED network.

Empowering Everyday Voices

TEDxGosport’s organisers worked closely with volunteers, coaches and stylists to prepare speakers for the stage. This community-driven effort allowed ordinary people to share extraordinary stories, from acts of heroism to initiatives that are changing lives in the local community.

Redefining Gosport’s Creative Spirit

Event curator Annelies James described the response as “overwhelmingly emotional”, with audiences laughing, crying and applauding throughout the day. The event marked a proud milestone for Gosport, showcasing the power of collaboration and the wealth of untapped potential within the town.

This article is adapted from Portsmouth News.