DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA WORTH
SPREADING?
DO YOU WANT TO SHARE YOUR IDEA AT AN
OFFICIAL TED X EVENT at
GLOUCESTER GUILDHALL
24th June 2026?
We are a group of passionate individuals who are organising an OFFICIAL TED X event at Gloucester Guildhall 24th June. We are looking for inspiring ideas and perspectives from the community.
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This year’s TEDx Eastgate theme is: ​
​​MERGE: When stories meet communities grow
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DEADLINE for SUBMISSIONS: 10th February 2026 Midnight
Brief
MUST BE READ​
This year’s TEDx theme is
MERGE: When stories meet communities grow
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The event will explore transformative ideas that have been grown here in Gloucester. It will platform ideas and perspectives that challenge, inspire, and create meaningful impact. We are seeking talks that embody this spirit, inviting audiences into new ways of seeing our city.
DEADLINE for SUBMISSIONS: 10th February Midnight
Your idea must be connected to Gloucester and/ or you must be either born here, working here or living here. We are particularly interested from hearing from speakers from young people and those from underserved communities.
What is
a TEDx talk?
A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas. Talks are usually under 18 minutes and are delivered by a single speaker, though the ideal length varies based on the format. A great, well-formed idea can actually be one of two things:
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• Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about.
• A great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives. In other words, an idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.
In other words, an idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.
The chosen ‘speakers’ will very welcome to communicate their ideas through different formats, whether through spoken word, visual storytelling, performance, or multimedia but a straight talk will also do just fine. The main thing to remember is that TEDx talks should share an idea worth spreading, not just a performance or portfolio piece.
Please see here for more information on what makes for a great Ted X Talk: What is a TEDx Talk?
Important
Notes
· This is not a paid speaking role.
· Talks must comply with all official TEDx content and copyright guidelines
TEDx Content Guidelines & Fact-Checking Guide
· You must be connected to Gloucester – either born here, working here or living here.
What We’re NOT Looking For
· Product pitches or promotional content
· Personal stories without a clear takeaway or idea
· Political or religious agendas
· Content that lacks factual backing or spreads misinformation
This platform is not for self-promotion. Talks must focus on an idea, not a product, business, or personal brand.
What does the event look like?
This event will be recorded from Gloucester Guildhall. All speakers must be available in-person on the day of the event.
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Expectations of speakers
All selected speakers must attend a mandatory webinar prior to the event. This will cover TEDx speaking guidelines, content review, and presentation tips to ensure your talk aligns with TEDx standards. You will be required to send in your various talk drafts for feedback from the team with the final talk to allow for suggested amendments to keep within Ted x guidelines see timeline below. Everyone must attend at the dress rehearsal on the day.
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· Attend all sessions
· Submit drafts for feedback aligned to the timeline
· Be available for tech rehearsals same day 24th June
· Help us promote the event on your platforms
· Deliver a final talk that aligns with TEDx standards
· Timeline
· Submission opened: 18th December
· Submission closed: 10th Feb 2026
· Decisions by: 20st Feb 2026
· Onboarding session: Wednesday 11th March 2026 two options: 1 - 2pm
and 6 - 7pm evening
· Speaker training optional: 18th March 6 - 8pm
· 1st draft for compliance check: 1st April 2026
· 2nd draft for compliance check: 22nd April
· Final draft and assets: 13th May
· Final rehearsal and talk event: June 24th 2026
How
do I Apply?
We are committed to accessibility.
Applications can be submitted via our official platform:
Click button at the bottom of the page to access the Application form. Or if you would prefer you can send us a voice note or video answering the questions to Tedxeastgate@gmail.com
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Please also include a short video introducing yourself and a brief summary of the core idea of your talk, or what you love about Gloucester if that makes you feel more comfortable. Submissions in multiple languages are welcome, and we will provide translation/interpretation support where possible. ​​​​​​​
Basic Eligibility
· Your idea must be connected to Gloucester and/or you must be either born here, working here or living here
· You must be available to commit to all of the dates shown here
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Submission Timeline
· Closing date for applications: 10th February
· Application review period: 11-19th February
· Notification of successful applicants: 20th February
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Scoring Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on:
· Basic eligibility: Availability, connection to Gloucester, complies with TED X rules
· Clarity of the core idea
· Relevance to the theme: MERGE
· Originality and impact of the idea/perspective
· Creativity of talk format
· Delivery and communication plan
· Alignment with TEDx values
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We will prioritise equal-scored submissions from those who are: Speakers under 30 Speakers from underserved communities (you can self identify)
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Ownership and Intellectual Property
By participating, you agree that TEDx and TED have the right to edit and distribute your talk. This includes publishing it on TED.com, YouTube, and social media platforms. The idea remains yours, but the recorded content becomes part of the TEDx library.
Application
MAKE SURE BRIEF IS READ BEFORE APPLYING
All submissions to be sent to tedxeastgate@gmail.com