Festival of Learning Have a Go Month

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month is observed throughout September as an invitation to embrace learning in all its forms. Whether you are curious about a new language, creative skill, practical subject, or personal interest, the month encourages people of every age and background to take that first step and discover the enjoyment of trying something different.

The observance celebrates lifelong learning, confidence, and the opportunities that come from being willing to “have a go.” It is a chance to join a class, attend a workshop, explore educational resources, or learn alongside others in the community. Above all, Festival of Learning Have a Go Month reminds us that learning does not have to be perfect or formal—it can be welcoming, social, and rewarding at every stage of life.

Festival of Learning Have a Go Month is a September observance dedicated to encouraging people to try learning activities, explore new interests, and take part in educational opportunities at any stage of life. Its roots lie in the wider adult-learning movement in the United Kingdom, which has long promoted the idea that education should remain accessible beyond childhood and formal schooling. The observance reflects the belief that learning can support personal fulfillment, social connection, confidence, and employment.

The modern Festival of Learning developed from Adult Learners’ Week, an established UK campaign that celebrated adult students and raised awareness of opportunities in further, community, workplace, and informal education. Over time, the campaign broadened its focus from recognizing adult learners to actively inviting the public to participate. The “Have a Go” emphasis places experimentation at the center: people are encouraged to sample a class, skill, hobby, or subject without needing previous experience or a fixed long-term commitment.

As the initiative evolved, September became an appropriate period for widening participation because many educational providers begin new courses and programs after the summer. During Festival of Learning Have a Go Month, libraries, colleges, community organizations, museums, voluntary groups, and other learning providers may offer introductory sessions, demonstrations, workshops, or information about local opportunities. The exact activities vary from place to place, but the common purpose is to make learning feel approachable and relevant to everyday life.

Culturally, the observance challenges the idea that education belongs only to formal institutions or younger people. It highlights the contributions of adult learners and recognizes learning undertaken for many reasons, including career development, creativity, wellbeing, civic participation, and social contact. By presenting September as a time to explore possibilities throughout the whole month, Festival of Learning Have a Go Month connects individual curiosity with the broader UK tradition of lifelong learning.