Join us to celebrate Freedom of Information’s 21st birthday, with a one-day conference to discuss its achievements, challenges, and future.

On 1 January 2005, the UK and Scottish Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts came into force, giving people a vital democratic right. 21 years later, it’s time to reflect, connect, and look ahead.

FOI Fest 2026 is a one-day conference bringing together journalists, civil society organisations, government, academics, practitioners, and anyone passionate about information rights.

Whether you use, respond to, or shape FOI, this is your chance to explore its achievements to date, tackle challenges, and imagine its future.

Why attend?

• Hear how FOI has shaped the past 21 years and its impact across society
• Connect with a community of diverse FOI practitioners, researchers, advocates, and users
• Bridge the gap between requesters, responders, and policymakers
• Discuss FOI challenges, and strategies to strengthen and extend information rights
• Leave inspired with practical ways to use FOI and make it more effective

FOI Fest 2026 is being co-organised by the FOI Network, an informal coalition of civil society organisations, journalists, and academics with an interest in freedom of information in the UK.

mySociety is a proud member of the Network. Find out more about the FOI Network and express your interest in joining.

It is hoped that FOI Fest 2026 will be the seed out of which a wider FOI Network will grow.

Join us on Thursday 19th February, either in-person or online, to celebrate, connect, and contribute to the future of one of the UK’s most vital democratic rights.

A full agenda for the conference will be added here in January 2026.