Johnny Vegas to join panel at the North’s biggest education event

Acclaimed comedian, actor and contemporary artist Johnny Vegas will be taking to the stage at BRILLIANT Festival, the North’s biggest education event to show the importance of creativity in school.

Johnny will be joining CEO of hi-impact and BRILLIANT founder Alan Thompson, internationally acclaimed sculptor Emma Rodgers, and theatre-in-education pioneer Kate Cotterell for a headline panel discussion titled ‘Putting the A in STEAM’.

Hosted in the BRILLIANT Keynote Theatre, the conversation will explore how integrating the arts into STEM is not about decoration, but transformation as it unlocks engagement, inspires innovation and deepens learning across disciplines.

Away from the screen and stage, Johnny – real name Michael Pennington – is an accomplished contemporary artist, working with ceramics, print and found objects. Following his own diagnosis of ADHD in 2023, he has also become a passionate advocate for neurodiversity in education, championing the creative potential of every learner.

Educators attending BRILLIANT will get the chance to hear the panel’s powerful personal stories, unexpected creative connections and real-world examples of how the arts can reimagine teaching and learning.

Johnny will also present an award at the inaugural BRILLIANT Awards, shining a spotlight on the people, projects and organisations that are helping young people to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Johnny Vegas said:

“I am delighted to join the BRILLIANT lineup. Through my work across different disciplines, I love to use creativity as an escape. As someone diagnosed with ADHD later in life, I am also incredibly passionate about transforming education for people living with neurodiverse conditions, helping them unlock their superpowers and get the best out of their learning.

“I’ll be joining the ‘Putting the A in STEAM’ panel discussion, focusing on how the arts have always been just as important as sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“I am also excited to present an award, shining a light on the next generation of talent across our schools and organisations. I hope to see as many inspiring educators, trailblazers and technology leaders in Liverpool as possible,” he continued

BRILLIANT Festival Director, Martyn Collins, added:

“Having Johnny join our ‘Putting the A in STEAM’ panel will add a fresh and valuable dimension to an already fascinating discussion on ways of working. His unique perspective on creativity, combined with his later-life neurodiversity diagnosis, will perfectly complement the experiences and insights of our other panellists. We are looking forward to welcoming Johnny and all our contributors to what promises to be a truly memorable festival.”

BRILLIANT Festival takes place on 11^th November at the Exhibition Centre, ACC Liverpool. Its mission is to empower educators, transform education, and equip students with the skills and mindset needed for a brilliant future.

The event is the biggest of its kind in the north. It brings together 1,500+ educators and industry experts, 80+ world-class speakers and 60+ exhibitors across multiple theatres to explore key themes such as AI, future careers, esports and gamification, SEND and inclusive education, ED&I, and much more.

With an agenda packed with CPD opportunities, live demonstrations and networking opportunities, BRILLIANT Festival offers an unmissable opportunity for education professionals to learn, share and be inspired.

It’s also FREE to attend.