We programme events and online talks throughout the year to showcase heritage and museums work across the Southwest, explore issues and share learning from across our sector. Events and online talks, with the exception of our AGM, can be attended by both members and non-members.
Each in-person session is hosted by a different organisation in the Southwest and includes a site visit plus exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Our online talks take place on Zoom and feature speakers from both within and beyond the region. These sessions focus on a specific topic, project, or experience designed to inspire our work, share learning, challenge current practice, and ultimately support a heritage sector that is rich, diverse, and welcoming.
All events include time for Q&A so participants can explore the subject in more depth. Please note that in-person sessions have limited capacity, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
SWFed 95th AGM & Network Event at Stonehenge
Monday 29 June
12.30-5pm
Join the SW Fed at Stonehenge in Wiltshire on
The South West Fed warmly welcomes our members to attend our 95th Annual General Meeting. This year’s meeting will be held at Stonehenge, English Heritage’s flagship site, where members will have the opportunity to learn about and visit this unique heritage site in Wiltshire. The English Heritage team will reveal their exciting plans to transform the way children and young people learn at Stonehenge.
The Power of Play: How Play Can Engage Audiences and Drive Growth
ONLINE
Wed 22 Jul 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
How can play help cultural organisations engage audiences, deepen participation and support growth? Join Charlotte Derry of Playful Places and Ameneh Enayat from The Story Museum for an inspiring online session exploring the power of play in museums and cultural spaces. Through practical insights and a successful case study from The Story Museum, you’ll discover how playful approaches can transform visitor experiences and create meaningful connections.
Communicating Climate Change: Insights from Crab Museum & Climate Museum UK
How do museums communicate climate change – and actually influence how people think, feel and act?
This event brings together voices from Crab Museum and Climate Museum UK, two organisations taking bold, unconventional approaches to engaging visitors with complex global issues.
At Crab Museum, communication starts with humour, play and radical honesty, using unexpected storytelling to challenge assumptions and provoke new ways of thinking about the natural world.
Climate Museum UK, by contrast, focuses on creating participatory, reflective spaces where people can process the climate crisis, imagine alternatives, and consider their own role in change.
All event tickets can be booked through Ticket Tailor and are open to both members and non-members. Members receive discounted tickets, and concession rates are available for students and those who are unemployed.
Joining SWFed is free and members receive a monthly e-newsletter with sector updates, jobs and information about upcoming events.
Where sponsorship allows, some events will be free to attend, while others may require a higher ticket price.