Online tickets sales are now closed but limited number of walk-ups still possible!
The National Permaculture Convergence, organised by the Permaculture Association, will be taking place in Hulme, Manchester from 20 - 23 September.
The convergence is bursting with opportunities for learning, networking and demonstrating why permaculture is at the forefront in shaping a thriving future for everyone.
The converging crises of our world and the great uncertainties of our time are calling us to step up. Permaculture represents a worldview that is holistic, positive and has wellbeing of all at its centre: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Shares.
The convergence will explore the many ways permaculture is interacting with and influencing our world. We see this convergence as being about permaculture at the edges - where we cross-pollinate with other networks and take a lead in designing a better Britain. Where better to begin than in thriving Manchester?
Let's use this convergence as an opportunity to bring forward the change we want to see in the world and build the networks we need to do this.
What is happening?
Visit the programme page for details of everything on offer. Schedule available now!
The convergence is a coming together of several events this year, all taking place in Hulme, Manchester. This approach represents a significant area of work we are undertaking currently - to bring about a more diverse and accessible network and reach those that have been underserved by our previous activities.
Permaculture convergences are open to all, no matter your knowledge, background or current situation. Please see our Diversity and Inclusivity Policy. As ever, children are welcome and there will be a full programme of activities for them over both Friday and Saturday. Tours will be designed with families in mind.
Please note: The convergence is non-residential. If you need accommodation, please arrange this yourself. A list of possible local options can be found here.
Thursday - Practitioners Day
The Educators' Meeting will bring together those teaching Earth Care, People Care, Fair Shares. Sessions helping to bring permaculture education into the mainstream. Open to anyone involved in permaculture education at any level.
The Thriving Communities Meeting will launch a network of peer support for projects and practitioners, share research results, and develop the project, which is helping us understand how permaculture engages people from disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Please note these two meetings are ticketed separately. See the how do I get tickets section below.
Friday - Exploring our Edges
Arrive from 9am, starts at 10am. Dinner at 7pm.
A day-long open conference with five streams exploring permaculture's pioneering role in society:
- Science, research and investigation
- Access and application of permaculture
- Permaculture, politics and the economy
- Land, communities and enterprise
- Permaculture and the urban environment
Visit the programme page for details of everything on offer. Draft schedule available now!
You will learn about the work of the Permaculture Association, and that of our members and networks. The conference will welcome collaboration with cross-sector partners.
The conference will be followed by an evening of fireside music, dancing, street food, and a licensed bar.
Saturday - Permaculture in Practice
10am - 6pm then street food
Hulme Community Garden Centre is the venue for our practical day of everything from seed saving and creating a forest garden, to recycling pallets and how to form a co-op.
Sessions will be suitable for both beginners and the more experienced. They will take place both outdoors, utilising the fabulous natural resources at the venue, and in the straw bale classroom.
The day of action will be followed by an evening of street food in the garden, a camp fire, and plenty of rich conversation and laughter.
Sunday - Ed-venturing
9am - 1pm
Sunday morning will be a leisurely breakfast with opportunities for catching up with people.
You can then tour local projects, which we have arranged in collaboration with Manchester Permaculture Network.
Tour details have been announced on the programme page.
Please visit our programme page for full information on sessions and what's happening.
Where is it happening?
The convergence will be held across a number of venues in one area Hulme, all within 5 minutes walk of each other:
Z-Arts
Home to our Friday Conference, plus Thursday's practitioner meetings.
Charity-run creative community arts centre with excellent range of facilities.
Address: 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5 ZA
www.z-arts.org
Hulme Community Garden Centre
Home to our evening socials and Saturday's Day of Doing.
A Permaculture Association LAND Centres. A thriving community-led garden centre with a difference that makes a difference.
Address: 28 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5RF
hulmegardencentre.org.uk
Hulme Community Hall
Part of the community resource centre next door to the community garden centre. Operated by local charity, Mothers Against Violence. We will use their kitchen and some activities may take place here throughout the convergence.
Address: Claremont Centre, 2 Jarvis Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5FS
mavuk.org/mav-hulme-hall
Getting There
Accommodation: The convergence is non-residential. If you need accommodation, please arrange this yourself.
A list of possible local options can be found here. There are many places to stay across the city, most within a 15-25 minute walk of the Convergence venues and within easy reach of public transport. Hulme has AirBnBs and similar properties but no hotels, unfortunately.
There is no camping in Hulme or nearby. We are looking to find a campsite within 30 minutes drive to allow those with campervans and tents to pitch up. Liftsharing from the campsite would need to be arranged.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Manchester Oxford Road which is one of four stations in central Manchester. The station serves the southern part of Manchester city centre, the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, on the line from Manchester Piccadilly westwards towards Warrington, Chester, Llandudno, Liverpool, Preston and Blackpool. Eastbound trains go beyond Piccadilly to Crewe, Leeds and Sheffield.
From Oxford Road, Hulme is a 20 minute walk or 12 minute bus ride using Services 250, 256, Sapphire 263, 86 or 103. The distance is only 1 mile for walkers. Services 250, 256 and 263 go to Picadilly Gardens in Central Manchester, in a time of around 15 minutes, making Hulme easily accessible from here.
Manchester Deansgate is also within walking distance of Hulme.
By Bike: Manchester Oxford Road Station has cycle racks and is an 8 minute cycle ride from the venues. Z-Arts has cycle racks outside the main window which will hold at least 8 bikes. You will be able to park your bike securely within Hulme Garden Centre on Saturday and during evening socials.
By Car: Hulme is close to the M60 for all motorway routes. There is ample street parking around Z-arts, with Pay and Display parking enforcements. Parking should also be easy on the streets around Hulme Garden Centre, though some restrictions will apply.
On Foot: Hulme is a diverse and largely regenerated area with a large student population and popular with creatives and professionals. Whilst no inner city area can be called completely safe, Hulme should be fine to walk around on foot, even in the evening, though it may be best to travel in groups late at night. We will provide stewards to guide Convergence attendees between Z-Arts, Hulme Hall and the Garden Centre, where this is needed.
Tickets - online ticket sales are now closed. Limited number of walk-ups available
Walk-Up Pricing (No Food)
* Weekend £95 Non-Members / £80 Members / £76 Local
* Friday Ticket £50 or £40 Local (20% Discount)
* Saturday Ticket £40 or £32 Local (20% Discount)
* Child Weekend £10
* Child Day Ticket £5
Walk-Up Pricing (Food) - please email [email protected] if you'd like this option asap so we can cater for you
* Weekend £115 Non-Members / £99 Members / £80 Local
* Friday Ticket £60 or £45 Local (20% Discount)
* Saturday Ticket £50 or £40 Local (20% Discount)
* Child Weekend £20
* Child Day Ticket £10
More about the ticket options
- Weekend tickets are for Friday, Saturday and Sunday inclusive. They include both day events and evening socials.
- Weekend tickets do not include access to the Educators' Meeting or Thriving Communities network meeting.
- Individual day tickets are available for Friday and Saturday and include evening socials.
- Lunch and an evening meal are included with adult tickets (Friday and Saturday). Weekend tickets include Sunday breakfast.
- Child tickets are for 5-16 year olds. Under-5s go free. 17 and over are classed as adults.
- Tickets do not include accommodation. You'll need to find this yourself. A list of options is here.
The convergence is part of
the European Day for Sustainable Communities.
Want to find out more or need more information?
We will be releasing more details of the programme and tours as they are confirmed over the coming weeks.
If you need information that isn't included here or to apply for discounted day tickets or bursaries, please contact: [email protected]