Festival of Learning Have a Go Month

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness Educational
Where:: United Kingdom
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 📚

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month inspires adults across the UK to embrace new educational opportunities every September. This initiative, evolving from the Adult Learners’ Week, highlights the transformative power of learning at any age. Explore free courses, workshops, and events designed to spark curiosity and personal growth.

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Expected Festival of Learning Have a Go Month Deals

As a ‘Cause’ holiday, Festival of Learning Have a Go Month focuses on access rather than commercial deals. Expect a wealth of free or low-cost ‘Have a Go’ taster sessions, workshops, and online courses offered by colleges, community learning centers, and national organizations like Learning and Work Institute. Many local councils and adult education providers will promote special enrollment periods and bursaries for longer courses. Look for digital resources and online learning platforms, such as FutureLearn and OpenLearn, to offer free introductory modules. We will update this page with confirmed live learning opportunities as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Festival of Learning Have a Go Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #HaveAGoMonth. Share your learning journey or highlight educational resources.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FestivalOfLearning. Join local community groups discussing adult education and share success stories.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #HaveAGoMonth. Discover trending topics in adult education and share inspiring quotes.

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month Hero

Albert Mansbridge

Albert Mansbridge (1876-1952) was a pioneering figure in adult education in the United Kingdom. He founded the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) in 1903, driven by a vision to provide higher education opportunities for working people. His efforts laid much of the groundwork for accessible adult learning initiatives across the country, influencing movements like the Festival of Learning.

History of Festival of Learning Have a Go Month

In 1992, Adult Learners’ Week was created to open doors to more opportunities for adult learners. It aims to improve the quality of education they receive. People were asked to help the stakeholders and decision-makers improve the adult standard of education. Soon, this campaign became a celebration of adult learning and helped attract more attention. As the years passed, the campaign saw greater participation rates.

The Festival of Learning Have a Go Month was created in 2013 as an extension of Adult Learners’ Week to provide more opportunities to learners, policymakers, and stakeholders. The 25th anniversary was celebrated in 2017 with H.R.H. the Princess Royal, patron of the Learning and Work Institute. Since then, the Festival of Learning Have a Go Month has continued expanding and inspiring more adults to learn.

In 2020, another initiative, Lifelong Learning Week, was set in motion to drive home the point that there is no age limit for learning. The Festival of Learning Have a Go Month has many programs, events, awards, and various ways to join the initiative. Educators, sponsors, providers, tutors, and other learners can participate and make a difference, while organizations can sponsor the awards or events. Every November, nominations are opened for the award ceremonies.

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month timeline

1992

ALA is Born

Adult Learners' Week is created in the United Kingdom.

2013

The Festival of Learning

The Festival of Learning campaign is initiated as a part of Adult Learners' week.

2017

The Anniversary is Celebrated

The 25th anniversary of Adult Learners’ Week is celebrated with the H.R.H. the Princess Royal in attendance.

2020

The Month is Established

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month is initiated to encourage more adults to continue learning.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Festival of Learning Have a Go Month

Local businesses can actively support Festival of Learning Have a Go Month by offering free introductory workshops or skill-sharing sessions relevant to their industry. A small independent bookstore could host a ‘Learn to Write Poetry’ evening, while a local bakery might offer a ‘Beginner’s Bread Making’ class. Businesses can also partner with community learning centers to promote their courses or provide space for ‘Have a Go’ events, fostering goodwill and demonstrating a commitment to community development and lifelong learning.

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month FAQs

When is Festival of Learning Have a Go Month?

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month runs throughout September 2026. This annual event encourages adults across the UK to explore new learning opportunities and develop skills.

How many adults participate in learning in the UK?

According to the Learning and Work Institute, around 1 in 3 adults in the UK participate in some form of learning each year. Festival of Learning aims to boost these numbers by making learning more accessible.

What kind of activities are offered during Have a Go Month?

During September 2026, a wide range of ‘Have a Go’ activities will be available, including free taster sessions in subjects like languages, arts, crafts, digital skills, and vocational training. These are often offered by local colleges and community groups.

Who organizes the Festival of Learning Have a Go Month?

The Festival of Learning is primarily coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute in the UK, building on the legacy of the Adult Learners’ Week campaign. They work with a network of partners to deliver the month’s activities.

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month Activities

Start learning
If you are an adult who never got a chance to finish your education, this is your time to do it. It's never too late to start learning. Take the first step today, and see your life change before you.
Spread the word
Encourage other adults to learn with you. Find a partner to learn new things with and keep each others’ motivation flowing.
Contribute to the cause
Help the campaign reach a wider audience and impact the lives of thousands. Contribute to the cause or participate in its events.

5 Facts About Adult Learning That Will Blow Your Mind

Learning capacity increases with age
Studies show that the human ability to learn increases with age because of brain plasticity.
No one’s a master of multitasking
Even younger digital learners can't multitask without impacting other areas of their performance.
Adult learners know themselves well
Unlike children and teenagers who choose courses to mimic their parents or friends, adult learners decide for themselves.
Adult learners are experienced
Adult learners are more experienced and can think independently without being affected by outside influences.
It is the new norm
Today, about 40% of undergraduate students are adult learners.

Why We Love Festival of Learning Have a Go Month

It motivates people to start learning
Many adults shy away from learning, fearing what society might think of them. This month attempts to break negative stereotypes and encourage people to continue learning, regardless of age.
It changes lives
When people start learning, new opportunities open up for them. By completing professional courses, one can completely transform their lifestyle and do better financially. It eliminates the need for them to depend on others for their livelihood.
It is an opportunity to do something for the community
The Festival of National Have a Go Month gives people the chance to do something for their community. By helping and contributing to the events, you are improving educational standards and transforming the lives of thousands of adults.