What if history could sing? In this joyful and moving performance folk musician theatre company, Boondog Balardeers, breathe life into untold local stories — turning community folklore and forgotten heroes into original songs. From a pub-owner who saved a town with beer, to sailors seeking home, to royal travellers resting in Grantham, these musical tales celebrate identity, memory, and the power of storytelling to keep culture alive.The Boondog Balladeers are a Lincoln-based folk band theatre company with a passion for unearthing stories and sharing them with the world. They aim to take audiences on playful and heartfelt journeys through enchanting songs and stories, reviving and adapting lesser-known folklore tales for modern-day audiences. Their ethos is to create theatre for families and young people that is accessible, fun, and emotionally engaging, crafting memorable, and often bespoke, experiences that place the power of storytelling at their core. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Yulia, a Ukrainian artist, reflects on how conflict reshapes creativity, identity, and expression. From abandoned projects and artistic silence to powerful digital illustrations and frontline reflections, she explores how Ukrainian artists are documenting war not just as history, but as lived experience. A story of resilience, transformation, and the urgent need to create in the face of destruction.Ukrainian artist Yuliia Liubchenko holds a Master of Fine Arts and has extensive experience in creative projects. She has dedicated her career to fostering creativity in both children and adults. Before the war, she was the project manager of a democratic school, focusing on developing children’s creativity. She has created collaborative artworks with children and other local Ukrainian artists. However, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 significantly impacted her work and the broader artistic community. Yuliia has closely observed the career growth of many artists over time and analysed the impact of the war on their creativity This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What does a nation sound like in times of war and healing? In this heartfelt talk, Ukrainian scholar Olga shares how traditional folk songs have long served as tools of unity, diplomacy, and resilience. From early 20th-century tours to performances during the 2022 invasion, these songs carry deep emotional power. Drawing on research and her own experience, Olga shows how music helps communities process trauma - and why listening to Ukraine’s folk songs means truly hearing its soul.Olga is a Professor at the Higher School of Art (Kyiv, Ukraine) and is currently a visiting Professor at Lincoln University. Here, she is studying the practical experience of the “Mobile Art for Peace” project. Using the results of the project and her own research on the history of Ukrainian culture, Olga tries to show the features of Ukrainian folk songs as a unique cultural phenomenon, because Ukrainian folk song is the expression of the history of the Ukrainian nation and an important tool of cultural diplomacy. Now, in the context of Russian armed aggression, Olga’s research shows that Ukrainian folk songs are gaining new meanings. In her research, Olga tries to reveal the therapeutic potential of Ukrainian songs and their capabilities in the process of psychological support, especially for children and youth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this powerful talk, a Zimbabwean-born, Selma, explores how colonialism shaped her identity and how hybridity - living between cultures - offers not confusion, but clarity. Through personal reflection, literature, and theatre, she challenges us to rethink what it means to belong and how acknowledging the shared weight of our histories can help us build a more connected, empathetic future.Selma Ari De Rossi is a Zimbabwean-born actress and writer. She has earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from the University of Lincoln. Her doctoral research explored the representations of Zimbabwean national identity through playwriting, exploring how British colonialism influenced Zimbabwean-based and diasporic playwrights. Passionate about reflecting on cultural narratives, Selma’s work delves into the complexities of identity and heritage. Currently, she is contributing a chapter to The Cambridge History of Black British Theatre and Performance, focusing on Zimbabwean playwrights in Britain. Her combined passions in acting, writing and research seamlessly blend scholarly research with creative artistry. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Through a moving mix of original poetry and personal reflection, this talk explores bravery, belonging, and the inner conflicts we all carry. From war zones to bus rides, poet and performer Scott captures both global and intimate struggles - then shifts the lens toward hope, diversity, and human connection. With warmth and imagination, he reminds us that we’re all made of the same stardust and that our shared stories and ideas can light the way forward.Scott is a poet and artist, and was the 2022 Stamford Poet Laureate. He started off not as a poet but a lyricist, citing the likes of Noel Gallagher, Lennon & McCartney, Bob Dylan, Guy Chambers, Billy Bragg and Neil Tennant as some of his primary influences. He has been involved with projects for two local charities; Stamford Diversity Group and MindSpace Stamford. At MindSpace he runs a monthly fun writing group called Playing With Words. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can we still enjoy our favourite films without harming the planet? This thought-provoking talk explores the hidden environmental cost of the film and television industry, from carbon-heavy productions to the subconscious impacts of product placement. As a climate-conscious media lecturer, Jack reveals why we don’t need to cancel escapism but reimagine it by telling local stories, using greener methods, and leaving communities better than we found them. It’s not about giving up fantasy - it’s about finding a better balance.Jack Shelbourn, an Arri-certified Director of Photography and HEA-recognized Senior Lecturer, is a BAFTA albert-certified sustainable cinematography researcher and PhD student. Pursuing a PhD in sustainable cinematography at the University of Lincoln, where he is the programme lead for the BA Film Production programme, Jack's research explores ‘New Naturalism’—focusing on the environmental benefits of using natural, available, and reflected light in film. His work examines the creative possibilities within these lighting limitations. Previously, he led the BA (Hons) Film & Television Studies programme at Lincoln. His cinematography has earned awards, including Mind-Set (2022), which won Best UK Feature at the Manchester International Film Festival. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx