Diverse voices and a full spectrum of themes under the umbrella of ‘losing control’ made the fifth ever Tedx Brighton a captivating day.

The programme on Friday, 30 October included 17 talks about dealing with adversity, controlling the masses, disruption, letting it go and going into the wild. From topics on health and wellbeing and privacy to humanitarian aid and the refugee crisis, the day sparked both emotional responses and an inspiring lift about changing the status quo.

Top five Tedx Brighton talks:

Chris Alton, artist and Quaker

The first talk of the day saw disco dancers bound onto the stage with glitter, costume and signs which read ‘gyrate not hate’. This flamboyant display aptly kicked off Chris Alton’s speech about the English Disco Lovers, a pro-equality group looking to reclaim the acronym EDL from the English Defence League.

Alton eloquently walked the audience through history and explained how disco music was synonymous with inequality and politics. A memorable example Alton gave was the burning of disco records at a 1979 Chicago baseball game. This event grew out of homophobia which was rife at the time, and it is unavoidably reminiscent of the book burning of the Nazi regime. The audience was left with a strong message that they could be disco lovers too if they want a more equal and accepting society.

Nikolaj Larsen, Danish artist

Shocked by the migrant crisis and how the media was dehumanising refugees, Nikolaj Larsen began an art exhibition project to raise awareness. This was an emotional talk about his project for which he created sculptures that hung from a raft, submerged in the Mediterranean Sea, to draw attention to the crisis that was unfolding. Photographs and video during the making of the project and some quite eerie images of the sculptures in the sea accompanied this powerful talk.

James Thompson, jewellery designer

Probably one of the funniest speakers of the day, helped by being on the lighter topic of ‘disruption’, James Thompson spoke about his unusual jewellery designs. He revealed that at the age of eight he decided he was going to be weird, but not do it in the in the corner. As well as being a highly entertaining and natural speaker, Thompson really emphasised the importance of not hiding away from being different. The conclusion was that sometimes you need to be off the map in order to really discover something.

Susanna Halonen, happiness coach and writer

Susanna Halonen from Finland talked passionately about the secret to happiness. Inspired by three different cultures she grew up in, she explained how Finland, Brazil and Sweden all adopt key elements for being happy. Finland has sisu which has an essence of resilience within its meaning; Brazil is famous for samba which demands you to just live in the moment; and Sweden uses the word mysig to describe somewhere cosy and relaxing but inspires you to feel grateful too.

This was sound advice that we all probably knew already, but with expert delivery and interesting cultural references.  

Nick Weston, survival expert

Nick Weston grew up and decided to live in a treehouse after London living became too much. He truly went back to the basics of hunting, gathering and fire as he began a self-sufficient life in Sussex woods.

This was a refreshing and natural talk from someone who is passionate about survival and not afraid to take a few risks. Definitely not a life many people would choose but the simplicity of it was inspiring. Weston is now making a living out of what he loves; teaching kids about his craft in the woods where he lives.

Tedx Brighton returns next year on Friday, 28 October 2016.