Tim Barford

Tim Barford

Founder of VegfestUK & Yaoh

Tim has been pretty much plant based since 1980, and vegan since 1984. Tim runs VegfestUK events and Yaoh Hemp Products and has been a vegan activist spanning 5 decades. Tim was doing vegan outreach throughout the 80’s and 90’s and was part of the free festival and free rave scene throughout that time. Tim started Vegfest 22 years ago and has since hosted numerous conferences around veganism, animal activism and animal protection.

 

 

 


1pm - 2pm

Interview with Carla Denyer

Carla Denyer is Co Leader of the Green Party, long term vegan and standing for Parliament in Bristol Central at the next election. Carla is interviewed by the event host Tim Barford

 

 

Talks & Panels full timetable


3pm - 4pm

Introduction to Local Activism

This panel looks at local activism with some introductions to what’s going on in the Bristol & West Country area from a number of vegan and animal rights groups, to help encourage more participation and engagement with local activism.

Featuring

Bristol Animal Rights Day

Vegan Compassion Group

Plant Based Councils

We The Free

Plant Based Treaty

+ more TBC

Hosted by Tim Barford

Talks & Panels full timetable


5pm - 5.30pm

Veganism Explained - An Introduction to Veganism in the 21st Century

For people new to veganism and plant based diets, it can be a bit confusing trying to work out all the different aspects of this way of life. This short talk (25 mins) outlines the basics of veganism, the benefits of plant based diets and lifestyle choices, and the animal rights position alongside a short history of the movement. Clarity and consistency are key areas for communicating effectively and anyone attending will benefit from these aspects. Everyone welcome and especially people new to it all and wanting a quick, clear, straightforward, short and simple overview of all things vegan and plant based.

Talks & Panels full timetable

Saturday
1.30pm

Nicholas Thick in Conversation

 

Nick is a Kettlebell champion  and part of the Vegan Strong team

In conversation with Tim Barford

 

Plus – Special Guest Vegan Strongman Carlos Barbon joins us from Spain

 

Performance Stage full timetable

Saturday
5pm

Veganism Explained - An Introduction to Veganism in the 21st Century

Vegan for the Animals Talks Room

For people new to veganism and plant based diets, it can be a bit confusing trying to work out all the different aspects of this way of life. This short talk (30 mins) outlines the basics of veganism, the benefits of plant based diets and lifestyle choices, and the animal rights position alongside a short history of the movement. Clarity and consistency are key areas for communicating effectively and anyone attending will benefit from these aspects. Everyone welcome and especially people new to it all and wanting a quick, clear, straightforward, short and simple overview of all things vegan and plant based.

 

 

Introduction to Plant Based Lifestyles full timetable

Saturday April 12th 2025
1pm

Nick Thick in Conversation

Nick is a kettlebell world record holder and part of the Vegan Strong Team, competing at top levels in the USA on a plant based diet

 

Nick is in conversation with Tim Barford about his training routine, optimum nutrition and recovery

 

Talks - Fitness and Nutrition full timetable

Saturday April 12th 2025
3pm

Why Go Vegan - Launch

 

Why Go Vegan is a new campaign focus on traditional vegan education, featuring a number of well known individuals from within the UK vegan community. The campaign features a new website and 30 day challenge focusing on traditional veganism, benefits of plant based lifestyles, the UK vegan community and vegan education

 

With Karin Ridgers, Peter Egan, Wendy Turner – Webster & Tim Barford

 

Talks - Animal Rights & Activism full timetable

Saturday August 24th
2.30pm

Kerry McCarthy MP in Conversation

Join Kerry McCarthy vegan MP for Bristol East in conversation looking at the recent Labour Party pledges for animals and the environment in the wake of the recent Election. Kerry has a strong track record in parliament for speaking up[ for animals and has been vegan for over 30 years. This uplifting and enlightening session will move at a fairly fast pace covering a number of issues, including questions from the Bristol Vegans community.

Host – Tim Barford

Talks & Panels full timetable

Saturday
10.45am

Introduction & Welcome to the Vegan Party Conference

A brief introduction and welcome to the Vegan Party Conference & its goals and remits

 

Panels and Presentations full timetable

Saturday
12pm

Plant Based Treaty - An Introduction

Lia and Tim introduce the work of the Plant Based Treaty with a couple of short 10 min presentations followed by an informal get together amongst local councilors and supporters of the Treaty to chat about the work of this global organisation and draw inspiration for collective action

Together As One Stage full timetable

Saturday
2.30pm

The For Charlie campaign and the power of collaboration

Join us for an impromptu chat about the For Charlie campaign that launched on Thursday and has been creating a buzz in the media. The campaign centres on an Open Letter to the RSPCA asking them to drop their farm and slaughterhouse Assured scheme and promote a kinder, more sustainable, plant-based future. The letter has been signed by 60 pro-animal organisations alongside many other individuals. An accompanying short film by BAFTA-winning director Alex Lockwood centres the story of Charlie, a piglet rescued by undercover investigators now living in sanctuary.

The film also features the powerful testimony of Jane Tredgett, a former RSPCA board Vice Chair, and Alice Brough, a former pig industry vet. The campaign was catalysed by the incredible investigation by Animal Rising into 45 RSPCA Assured farms finding systemic and heartbreaking suffering.

We’ll be talking about the purpose of the campaign, the reason for the two demands, the thinking behind its messaging and how it’s acting as a vehicle for collaboration in the movement which can help build our power as a movement going forward

Celebration Stage full timetable

Saturday
3pm

Unifying the Vegan Movement: Collaborative Strategies for Collective Impact

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on fostering unity within the vegan movement. Discover how diverse organizations can leverage their unique skills and strengths through partnerships, alliances, and collaborations to work together towards a shared vision of a more compassionate world.

 

Panel Includes

 

Issy Acosta – Viva!

Dan Kidby – Animal Rising

Tod Bradbury – Animal Aid

Sash Joliffe – We The Free

Ayrton Cooper – Animal Justice Project

 

Hosted by Tim Barford – VegfestUK

Together As One Stage full timetable

Saturday
5pm

Veganism Explained - An Introduction to Veganism in the 21st Century

For people new to veganism and plant based diets, it can be a bit confusing trying to work out all the different aspects of this way of life. This short talk (30 mins) outlines the basics of veganism, the benefits of plant based diets and lifestyle choices, and the animal rights position alongside a short history of the movement. Clarity and consistency are key areas for communicating effectively and anyone attending will benefit from these aspects. Everyone welcome and especially people new to it all and wanting a quick, clear, straightforward, short and simple overview of all things vegan and plant based.

Vegan For The Animals full timetable

Sunday
15:00

Movement Unity - National Groups Activists Panel 

Panel Host – Tim Barford

Dr.Alex Lockwood representing Animal Rising, Jasmine Clark representing Viva!, Peter Mason representing Plant Based Treaty, & Claire Louise Palmer representing Animal Justice Project.

How can we better communicate, collaborate and coordinate with each other?

Q1. How are we already collaborating?

Q2. How can we increase this and do more?

Q3. What concerns do we have that we should address as a Movement?

 

 

 

Comedy, Music, Talks & Panels full timetable

Sunday
1.015pm

Giles Bryant & The Vegan All-Sorts

Come along for some serious fun! Join Giles, Juliette and friends for some fantastic vegan-themed songs that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

 

Includes Tim Barford playing at 1.30 & Ian Haywood joining The Allsorts before his epic Elton John set at 5pm

Performance Stage full timetable

Sunday
2.30pm

VegfestUK Awards 2024 Presentations

The VegfestUK Awards are back, with the winners from the 10 categories announced on stage at 3.30pm

Performance Stage full timetable

Sunday
2pm

Plant Based Treaty - An Introduction

Lia and Tim introduce the work of the Plant Based Treaty with a couple of short 10 min presentations followed by an informal get together amongst local councilors and supporters of the Treaty to chat about the work of this global organisation and draw inspiration for collective action

Together As One Stage full timetable

Sunday
3pm

Unifying the Vegan Movement: Collaborative Strategies for Collective Impact

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on fostering unity within the vegan movement. Discover how diverse organizations can leverage their unique skills and strengths through partnerships, alliances, and collaborations to work together towards a shared vision of a more compassionate world.

 

Panelists

Laila Kassam (Animal Think Tank)

Alistair Stewart (Plant Based Universities)

Lia Phillips (Plant Based Treaty)

A Sab (Hunt Sabs)

Claire Ogley (The Vegan Society)

Hosted by Tim Barford (VegfestUK)

 

 

Together As One Stage full timetable

Sunday
4pm

Animals Rights & Human Rights

Recent surveys amongst vegan activists suggests the movement is currently spilt down the middle on this contentious topic – should human rights be a part of animal rights, or should we be an ‘animals only’ movement? This constructive supportive panel looks at different viewpoints, with a view to seeking learning outcomes and understanding different positions, and increasing the peace.

 

Takeaways

” This panel will explore the intersection of animal and human rights, addressing how to prioritize animal liberation while ensuring safety, resolving conflicts, and balancing inclusivity.” – Jen Deighan – Schenk

”To find unity between 2 sides of this issue while acknowledging some of the complications of some of the more ambitious and well-meaning goals of intersectional activists” – David Ramms

Calls to Action

Train ourselves to be more understanding of one another and differing opinions – https://infighting.org

David Ramms – Subscribe to my YouTube: www.youtube.com/davidramms
Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidramms
I will be having more of these discussions on my Substack: www.davidramms.substack.com

 

 

Panels and Presentations full timetable

Sunday
9.30am - 10.30am

Business Networking Session - MAD Promotions Connections

Our business networking session with Karin Ridgers and Tim Barford is designed to bring together vegan entrepreneurs and business owners at the London Vegan Fayre. This is your chance to connect with like minded professionals, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities.

Even pick Karin’s brain for PR ideas!

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, discover new partnerships, or share your vision, this session perfect to grow your vegan business as well strengthen the vegan SME community

 

Performance Stage full timetable