Karin runs the award winning boutique vegan PR agency MAD Promotions ….  working with vegan SMEs, charities and brands . She has been vegan for nearly 30 years and over that time has passionately promoted the movement through all media …. TV, radio, podcasts, offline and online…. and now works with influencers and celebrities too who support the MAD Promotions clients.

A familiar face on VegfestUK stages for over 15 years, Karin is also co-founder of the Vegan Women’s Club and founder of VeggieVision TV, supporting connection, media visibility and community for fellow vegans.

Please welcome, Karin Ridgers! 

Vegan vet Dr Arielle Griffiths will expose the animal protein dog and cat food industry which no one has ever mentioned before as being the most highly processed of all the foods we can feed the animals in our home.

There is the perfect solution to all of the problems we face, in the form of plant-based and innovative cruelty-free fermentation protein that is now a reality. Dr Arielle is beyond excited to share the food of the future with you in her talk!

In this empowering talk, Simon shows how plant-based nutrition helps you thrive, not just survive. Drawing on his experience as a former professional footballer, you’ll learn practical strategies to boost fitness, break health plateaus, and unlock your full potential for vibrant health.

An outstanding panel featuring the CEO’s of several successful vegan businesses, bringing decades of experience to the table as they discuss the ups and downs of running a successful vegan business, and what it takes to succeed in todays current climate.

With Heather Mills (V Bites, No Bloat), Adrian Ling (Plamil Foods), Joe Hill (One Planet Pizza) plus more TBC. Hosted by Keith Lesser (Vegan Accountants, Vegan Business Mastermind)

Vegan Cheeses? Why not make your own. Edward demystifies raw nut and seed cheeses – simple when you know how?

Join Heather Mills for an inspiring 30-minute talk at VegfestUK Birmingham, where she explores the powerful connection between global challenges and the rise of veganism. From climate change and food security to health crises and ethical responsibility, Heather examines how world issues are shaping the way we eat—and why plant-based living is more relevant than ever.

Drawing on her experience as a long-standing advocate for ethical living and as a show sponsor, Heather will also introduce No Bloat—a pioneering range of vegan ready meals designed with gut health and compassion at their core. She will highlight how innovation in plant-based nutrition can respond to global needs while supporting personal wellbeing.

This talk will also emphasise the importance of community and collaboration within the vegan movement, showing how events like Vegfest create vital spaces to connect, amplify organisations, and inspire collective action.

With a focus on resilience, sustainability, and global awareness, this session is a call to action—encouraging us all to recognise the wider impact of our choices and work together toward a more compassionate, healthier future.

Five doctors, across different specialties and all qualified in lifestyle medicine, explore the evidence for plant-based nutrition in support of optimal health and fitness –  from chronic disease prevention and the protein debate to mental health, cultural accessibility and practical advice to get started today.

Whether you’ve been plant-based for years or you’re simply curious, join us for an engaging conversation and to have your questions answered.

How to use this food preparation method to enhance all areas of your life to improve your health and longevity.

Pat Reeves is a practitioner of nutritional and lifestyle medicine & a world power-lifting champion

Adrian Ling is CEO of Plamil Foods, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year – the original vegan factory founded by his father Arthur in 1961. A lifelong vegan, Adrian shares some of the experiences of growing up vegan in the 60’s right the way through to the modern day expansion that Plamil has seen this last few years.

What does it truly take to achieve optimal health on a vegan diet?

In this inspiring, science-led talk, Dr Britt Cordi, PhD – founder of Britts Superfoods, shares what the evidence really says about thriving on a plant-based lifestyle. With years of in-depth research into the connection between diet, digestion, energy and the body’s natural balance, Dr Britt brings both clarity and confidence to one of today’s most important nutrition conversations.

Going beyond trends and myths, Britt explains clearly what to do – and what not to do – as a vegan for optimal health.

You will learn:

• The essential nutrients to prioritise – and how to ensure you absorb them effectively
• The most common mistakes vegans make that can quietly drain energy
• Why digestive health is central to immunity, brain function and vitality
• Practical, research-backed steps to build resilience and long-term balance

Dr Britt also explores the powerful role of targeted superfoods in supporting energy, gut health and overall wellbeing. Rather than relying on restrictive rules or complicated plans, she shows how strategically chosen, nutrient-dense foods can help bridge gaps and optimise health in a simple, sustainable way.

Drawing on her own personal health journey – which began with severe eczema in childhood – Britt combines scientific depth with relatable insight. She is passionate about translating complex research into practical guidance that empowers people to take active responsibility for their well-being.

Whether you are new to veganism or looking to refine your approach, this talk will equip you with clear, actionable tools so you can move forward not just plant-based – but truly vegan, nourished and thriving.

Dan Richardson has starred in numerous feature films including ‘Retribution’, ‘Pretty Outrageous’, ‘Kill Kane’, ‘The Harsh Light Of Day’ and ‘Fyre Rises’, as well as Disney’s hit TV series, ‘The Lodge’.

Dan created and hosts ‘Food For Thought Live’, a series of live broadcasts in which he meets and showcases pioneers and figureheads from the world of animal welfare and conservation, including Dame Virginia McKenna (Born Free), Oscar-winning director Louie Psihoyos (The Cove, Gamechangers), Will Travers OBE (Born Free) and Peter Egan (After Life, Downton Abbey).

A life-long animal advocate, Dan is a patron for eleven animal charities and organisations including the Born Free Foundation, Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries, Remembering Wildlife, Action For Rhinos, IAPWA and Naturewatch Foundation.

He has recently completed a years-long passion project, new documentary ‘Food For Thought’, co-directing and producing alongside his friend, ‘Harsh Light Of Day’ co-star, Giles Alderson. This uplifting film takes a unique approach in the genre, combining humour with a non-judgmental and highly relatable look at the driving forces behind the global vegan phenomenon.

Comedy Hour with Dawn Chorus & Ishi Khan, hosted by compere Mike Kelson

Come and meet the Vegan Women’s Club

Hosted by Karin Ridgers