STAMMAFest 2026: A look back

Monday 7th September 2026 - 10:39

STAMMAFest 2026 attendees

Reflections on a truly memorable 3-and-a-half days at STAMMAFest, which took place on 20^th to 23^rd August at the University of Northampton.

STAMMAFest 2026, STAMMA's biennial conference, kicked off in style with a Thursday night reception, a chance to break the ice over nibbles and drinks. Co-organiser Paul Roberts welcomed attendees before handing over to outgoing Vice Chair Paul Fix and newly-elected STAMMA President Joanna Gaukroger to give rousing speeches. The room was absolutely buzzing with anticipation over what was to come for the next few days.

Paul Roberts welcoming attendees at the Thursday evening reception

Friday

This year's theme was 'Building tomorrow', which was explored in the opening plenary on Friday morning. Campaigner Dr Clenton Farquharson, volunteer Jack Nicholas and STAMMA's Kirsten Howells chatted about the future and what they'd like to see for the stammering community

Three people sitting on a stage looking out at the audience. One of the people is in a wheelchair.

'The Future of Stammering' plenary speakers (L-R): Kirsten Howells, Dr Clenton Farquharson & Jack Nicholas

Then the programme of workshops kicked in, with sessions on avoidance, living fully with a stammer, open listening and much more.

Attendees at one of the workshops

We know coming to this kind of thing for the first time isn't easy, especially if you're on your own. That's why we ran a 'First timers & lone rangers' session where newbies could meet in a non-pressured way. We also had a designated table in the meal hall and a special section where new attendees could have time out.

A group of people sitting in a classroom holding a network of different coloured string

Attendees at one of the workshops

More workshops in the afternoon covered making phone calls, building identity and becoming comfortable in online meetings. Before dinner, a group headed to the park for spontaneous five-a-side football match.

Ten people standing and kneeling together in a park and smiling

After the football match

Friday night was Quiz night, and after a bit of team formation melee, battle commenced with over twenty teams putting their general knowledge – and TV theme tune knowledge – to the test. 'Seven Deadly Wins' were victorious and were awarded whole load of chocolate and a winners medal.

A woman and a man sitting at a table, the woman is laughing and the man is holding his hands out

One of the quiz teams

Saturday

Saturday started with a timely plenary on AI, with tech experts Toju Duke and Shaomei Wu chatting with STAMMA's Jane Powell and Paul Fix about the threats and possible benefits the emerging technology could bring to the community.

A man and three women sitting on a stage. One of the women is talking and the others are listening

'AI: Friend or foe' plenary speakers (L-R): Paul Fix, Toju Duke, Jane Powell, Shaomei Wu

Audience at the 'AI: friend or foe?' plenary

The day's sessions included self-compassion, costal breathing, drawing and even a dance workshop.

"At STAMMAFest 2026 I have never felt so free" Read Rhiannan's article.

Running alongside the main event was our third Family Day, our most popular ever. Whilst their parents got to meet and learn more about stammering, children and young people were in for a treat when podcaster Scroobius Pip gave a masterclass in celebrity interviewing, chatting with none other than Jessie from The Traitors!

A man, woman and teenage girl taking a selfie

Scroobius Pip and Jessie (right) taking a selfie with a Family Day attendee

Then, in a first for STAMMA, we had our very first themed-night, STAMMAFest in the Wild West! We were blown away by how many of you got into the spirit of things and dressed for the occasion, with conference regular Mikey Tose being winning the prize for the best costume. The line dancing lessons were a smash hit, as was the band afterwards, giving everyone a chance to put their new skills into action and dance the night away.

People line dancing, some in cowboy costumes

Line dancing at the Wild West theme night

Sunday

Usually, Sunday mornings at STAMMAFest are a bleary-eyed affair following the Saturday night revelry. Not this time, as the top billing event drew in a huge crowd. Scroobius Pip was the consummate compere in a barnstorming discussion on stammering representation on TV, with Jessie from the Traitors, Nataliia from the Great British Bake Off, Lewis from Call the Bailiffs, and choreographer Graeme Pickering, who led a choir of singers who stammer to audition on Britain's Got Talent, talking about their on-screen experiences. Lewis prompted a cheer when he mentioned being asked by producers to shorten his answers: "I nipped that right in the bud early on and said, 'I'm afraid you're going to have to wait for me to finish''.

Four men and two women standing in a huddle and smiling

'Stammering & representation' plenary speakers (L-R): Graeme Pickering, Lewis Tombs, Jessie Roux, Scroobius Pip, Nataliia Richardson & Nataliia's husband

All good things must come to an end, and it did in inspirational fashion, with the open mic, which went on for half an hour longer than planned due to so many people wanting to speak. One person stood up to say that she'd decided, after her time at STAMMAFest, to update her CV when she got home, and look for a job that was more befitting of her skills. Another first timer said he didn't want to go home. I think he spoke for a lot of us!

A man on a stage holding a microphone and taking a selfie with the audience

A speaker at the open mic taking a selfie

Thank you to every one who came to STAMMAFest, from not only across the UK, but around the world – we had attendees from Canada, France, Argentina, Australia and others. Thanks also to Paul & Dean and the team of organisers, and the fantastic team of volunteers who helped make the whole thing run smoothly. (Cowboy) hats off to you all!

See you in 2028!

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