2023

A New Format, A Bigger Impact

In 2023, SocialFuse Festival evolved into a dynamic one-day conference, hosted at the stunning Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.

This new format brought together a powerful mix of social entrepreneurs, creatives, educators, and community champions for a focused day of insight, inspiration, and collaboration.

Attendees explored themes including community wealth building, inclusive innovation, and the role of creativity in driving social change. The day featured thought-provoking keynote talks, panel discussions on place-based impact and sustainable futures, and practical workshops and networking spaces to spark real-world collaboration.

By shifting to a conference format, we deepened the dialogue while keeping the festival’s community-first spirit alive.

With the theme of Collaborative Communities, we explored of how individuals and groups can take an initial idea and grow it into something larger and sustainable with the help of their networks and communities.

Featuring the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, AccessibleUK, and the University of Derby and other purpose-driven organisations, we heard from inspirational changemakers and innovators on the ideas and movements shaping our community, economy and environment.