On 16 October, 14 inspiring speakers from across Gosport took to the stage at Brodrick Hall to deliver their TEDxGosport talks before an enthusiastic local audience.
Curated by licence holder Annelies James of 22Midnight, TEDxGosport was a volunteer-led, not-for-profit passion project created to celebrate the people, ideas, and creativity that make Gosport unique.
The TEDxGosport videos are now live, available https://www.tedxgosport.co.uk/talks/ and together they’ve showcased Gosport’s ideas to over 13,000 viewers worldwide.
Two talks, Rob Bentley and Martin Birch-Foster have even been selected as official TEDx Editors’ Picks, meaning they’ll soon reach millions more when shared on TED’s global channels.
What made TEDxGosport special wasn’t just the stage or the red dot, it was the process. Everyday people with extraordinary local stories were coached, refined, and given the confidence to step up and share ideas that could spark change in the community and beyond.
Adventure Psychologist Paula Reid, whose talk “We Need More Heroes” explored courage and community, reflected:
“The idea of bringing TEDx to Gosport was inspired, and the result surpassed my expectations. It was a powerful demonstration of how faith, courage, inspiration, and hard work can come together to uplift an entire community.”
Duke Harrison-Hunter, creative professional and advocate for youth voice, shared “Very Seen and Never Heard”:
“For me, TEDxGosport was about the legacy I want to leave for my daughter, to show her that there is power in vulnerability, that dreams can come true, and that all voices can be heard. The rehearsal process and coaching were brilliant and supportive. It helped me present professionally and become aware of the flaws I didn’t know I had.”
Local community champion Lesley Meenaghan, who urged the audience to “remove the cloak of shame and Turn Left”, said:
“Taking part in TEDxGosport was an unforgettable experience, from applying and auditioning to stepping on the stage. The bond between all the speakers and the TEDxGosport team was inspiring. The team are all volunteers, and this would not have happened without them and the wonderful curator, Annelies James. There is so much talent, heart, and pride in our hometown. TEDxGosport was not just an event, it was a celebration of the Gosport community.”
Sarah Donaghy’s talk, “The Running Community Supporting the Local Community: The Tale of the Food Bank Run,” told how personal loss became the seed of a global movement:
“To do a TEDx talk was a bucket list dream, and it didn’t disappoint. I am forever changed by the experience, the coaching, the friendships, and delivering a talk so close to my heart. TEDxGosport is the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.”
Jess Shailes, who made the crowd laugh with “The Story Behind Why We Buy”, said: “I’d dreamt of doing TEDx for most of my career and TEDxGosport exceeded all expectations. I not only got to stretch myself with a new skillset and share an idea close to my heart, but I also met some wildly talented and supportive people along the way. It’s been nothing short of life-changing.”
Speaking Coach Adele Deasy, a former TEDxSouthampton speaker, added: “It was such a privilege to be part of the TEDxGosport team, bringing real people with real ideas to the stage, sharing something that could change how we think, live, or lead. That’s the kind of ripple effect this town is ready for.”
Reflecting on the event, Annelies James said: “This event marked a significant moment for Gosport, a real shift in how the town sees itself. The feedback from attendees was incredible; people were visibly moved, crying, laughing, and standing to applaud. This is the event I always wanted to curate for my town, and I’m so grateful to the team who made it happen. There’s clearly an appetite for more, so keep an eye on the TEDxGosport channels for details of our 2026 event.”
The enthusiasm for TEDxGosport was clear from the start: 109 people applied to speak, 37 were auditioned, and 14 were selected for the inaugural event. Local businesses rallied behind the project, with sponsorship and support from Hampshire Cultural Trust, Easy Drive Hire, Ware Wolf Creative, Tidal Studios, Nettl of Fareham, Quay West, 32 Events, and others.
TEDxGosport has set a new benchmark for community collaboration and storytelling in the town — an event that celebrated not only ideas worth spreading, but a community worth believing in.
Follow TED on Facebook,Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.