Be part of the 2026 first TEDx Bangor and witness ideas that could shape what comes next
Why Bangor?
TEDx Bangor started with a dream and a question that would not go away: why has Bangor never had its own TEDx event? For Kevin O’Reilly, a TEDx Speaker, Communications Performance Coach, and founder of Thrive Now Group, that question stayed in his mind for a long time. Kevin has spent years helping individuals in business, leaders and entrepreneurs find their voice, tell their story and step forward with confidence. Along the way, a bigger vision began to take shape — to bring a TEDx event to Bangor and create a stage where powerful ideas and real stories could be shared with the community.
The vision for TEDx Bangor grew from that belief. It grew from a passion for ideas worth sharing, from a desire to create a stage for meaningful stories, and from a belief that Bangor, along with the wider Ards and North Down area, is more than ready for an event that brings people together in a new way. Set beside the sea, shaped by community and full of potential, Bangor is the perfect place for conversations that inspire change, connection and possibility.
TEDx Bangor is being built to do more than host talks. It is being created to bring people together, spark networking, encourage fresh thinking, and give speakers a platform to share stories and ideas that could change lives and ultimately, the world.
As the first TEDx event of its kind in Bangor, this is the beginning of something meaningful — and, we hope, something that will grow and return for many years to come.
The Experience
The Event Details..
Friday 9th October | Doors Open 8.45am - 4.30pm (Full days event)
Space Theatre Auditorium, SERC Bangor Campus | Castle Park Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 4TD
TEDx-Style Talks
The programme will feature short, carefully prepared talks in the spirit of TEDx, designed to share powerful ideas in a clear, engaging, and memorable way.
These talks will vary in length ranging up to 18 mins in 4 sessions across the day.
Conversation Breaks
In line with TEDx event design, the day will include breaks between sessions so attendees can reflect, discuss ideas and continue conversations sparked from the stage.
Refreshments & Lunch Included
Tea, coffee and scones will be available on arrival to help guests settle in, meet others, and prepare for a day of ideas and inspiration.
Lunch will be included as part of the event experience, creating time for conversation, networking, and connection between sessions.
Afternoon refreshments will be served and water available throughout the day.
Speakers
What attendees can expect, however, is a thoughtful multidisciplinary programme, a strong sense of place, and an event experience designed to bring together people from Bangor, Ards and North Down and beyond to hear ideas that could change lives and ultimately the world. TEDx events are independently organised and each one is unique to its local community, which gives TEDx Bangor the opportunity to reflect the spirit, people and potential of their hometown and area in a meaningful way.
Entertainment on the day
Celtic Breeze Quartet
Music Group
“Celtic Breeze" is a traditional Irish music group from St Columbanus' College, Bangor.
We’re delighted to have St Columbanus’ College joining us at TEDx Bangor with their group performing at the lunch break!
It’s fantastic to have local students playing their part in what promises to be a brilliant day. We can’t wait to hear them perform and welcome them to the TEDx Bangor stage!
Turan Mirza
Hypnotherapist
Something unexpected is happening during our breaks…
Turan will be joining us during the networking and breaks for a fun, interactive street hypnosis experience.
Turan is an award winning hypnotherapist helping people overcome anxiety, depression and many life changing issues through the use of hypnosis, NLP, Provocative Change Work, IEMT, EFT and many other related tools to improve the quality of peoples lives.
Grade 7 Student Pianist
Emily Dobbin
Emily is a 15-year-old student at Glenlola Collegiate, where she is currently studying GCSE Music. Emily began playing piano when she was 7, and is about to begin tuition on Grade 7, having just recently completed her Grade 6 exams. She is also beginning her Grade 5 singing tuition, and has also played violin in the EA and school orchestra over her school years. Emily is delighted to be providing live piano music for the welcome reception at TEDx.
Dave Elliot
Comedian
What better way to round off TEDx Bangor than with a short set from Bangor’s own Dave Elliott?
One of the most in-demand headline acts on the Northern Irish comedy circuit, Dave has supported the likes of Kevin Hart and John Bishop, appeared on BBC and Channel 4, and most recently featured in BBC’s Blue Lights.
After a full day of ideas, stories and inspiration, Dave will bring a little laughter to the stage and send us off with a smile!