FAMILIES are being invited to an independent event where they can listen to thought-provoking and inspiring ideas.

Tickets are now on sale for the first virtual TEDxNorthwich.

The talk event first took place in 2019 at Brio Memorial Court and will return online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The guests recorded their talks on May 22 at The Grange Theatre in Hartford and the videos will be streamed to the TEDxNorthwich audience on Friday, June 18.

Speakers include David Blackhurst, the founder of the Tiny Home Foundation, who will talk about tiny homes, minimalism and escaping the tenancy treadmill, national business coach Paul Raisbeck who will argue the world needs fewer experts and marketer Kate Carney who will explain there’s no such thing as a ‘big idea’.

Other speakers include Chester-based Emi Howe, the creator of body image awareness business BodEquality as she shares her personal story of how illness changed her relationship with her body, and Northwich-based leadership and development consultant Sharon Amesu will also discuss why we should think like our ancestors.

Confidence and happiness coach Michael Le will ask the profound question ‘who are we?’ and brand agency owner and LGBTQ activist G Sabini-Roberts will share their thoughts on neurodiversity in business.

Co-organiser of TEDxNorthwich and speaker coach Catherine Sandland said: “Covid has forced us to change our plans for TEDxNorthwich several times over the last 18 months and it’s been quite a challenge.

“Although we had to cancel last year’s event altogether, we are delighted that with the help of our volunteers and some digital thinking, this year’s event can still go ahead safely, albeit in a different form.

“We have a hugely diverse line-up of speakers, all of whom have been perfecting their talks over the last year, and we are excited to bring the very best impassioned ideas and stories to our audience.”

“It will be quite different as our speakers will present to a largely empty room, but we hope that with the help of the TEDx community and the power of social media, they’ll still see just how much conversation their big ideas have sparked.”

Katherine Butler from Movement and Light Films will film the talks for this year’s event.

She said: “Recording the talks has always been an important part of TEDx as it allows local ideas to be shared with a global community online, but it takes on even greater significance this year as it’s also the safest way to let our Northwich audience take part too.”

TEDxNorthwich 2021 has been made possible thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers as well as a number of local sponsors.

The Grange Theatre is the main sponsor, supported by Storey Estates, Hartford Wealth Management, The Pain Clinic, Business Coach Paula Cohen, Opus Design, Northern Powerhouse Media and The Core - Nutrition, Health & Wellbeing.

Paul Edwards, theatre manager at The Grange Theatre said: “Hosting and sponsoring TEDxNorthwich allows us to support a really important community event and play our part in showcasing our town on the world stage. It’s a privilege to be involved and have our theatre facilities in the spotlight.”

Ian Storey from Storey Estates said: “I’ve been impressed with the determination of the TEDxNorthwich team who have worked tirelessly to make sure this great event can still go ahead. Events like this really help to really show Northwich as a wonderful place to live and I am only too happy to lend my support.”

Tickets are priced at £15 for a family log-in, with an early bird price of £10, and are available from tedxnorthwich.com.

All ticket holders will be issued with a secure code to access the recordings on June 18.