Merseyside Vegan Festival (Liverpool)spo

• 11.15am

Petting Farm Truth

Vegan educator Jodie, creator of award-winning documentary Petting Farm Truth, available on Viva!'s Facebook page (facebook.com/watch/?v=277498545398560), will be delivering her talk on the heart-breaking exploitation, profit and greed behind petting farms and farm parks where baby animals are 'recycled' for the meat or dairy industry after they are no longer considered 'cute'. Not only this, but many young animals, separated from their parents, endure stress living in an unnatural setting among other species and being exposed to a constant stream of farm visitors. It's a seldom talked about topic, even among vegans, and one which also aims to spotlight the important role of non-profit animal sanctuaries and remind families these facilities are where the real education lies.

Jodie is also the author of Nero the Brave Little Bull, a children's story which describes Jodie's real life rescue of former petting farm attraction, Nero, who now lives happily at The Retreat Sanctuary in Kent. All book profits help fund the sanctuary's daily operation.

instagram.com/greenvegan1/

• 12pm

Contesting the 'Pigeons are Pests' Narrative: Ending Cruel Pest Control Practices and Promoting Coexistence in Our Urban Areas

Pigeons are amazing, but why are they so often despised? In this talk I'll discuss how the 'pigeons are pests' narrative reinforces cruelty and lethal control of pigeons in urban environments. This harmful narrative shapes public perception and policy, which enables individuals and organisations to overlook or justify the suffering pigeons endure.

I'll also discuss the role of fear-based marketing within the pest control industry, and how this is used to drive demand for inhumane practices while generating profit. 

While public sentiment towards pigeons is shifting in a more positive direction, I'll highlight the increasing importance of building community, challenging misinformation, and promoting compassionate, evidence-based approaches to coexistence with pigeons. Together, we can make the world a kinder place for pigeons to live. 

With Sam from Advocacy for Pigeons

• 1pm

The Case for Veganism in Uniformed Youth Groups

We all know that Veganism is better for the planet and for animal rights. Did you know, however, that there's a strong case to be made for Veganism in uniformed youth groups? Using the Scouts and the Girl Guides as case studies, we'll explore the justification for plant-based youth movements whilst being able to retain the core values of such organisations.

With Joe Mickleburgh from Vegan Adventure Collective

Insta: @veganadventurecollective

• 2pm

Muay Thai With Benny Green

Join Muay Thai coach Benny Green for an energizing session that blends power, technique, and mindfulness. Having lived, trained, and fought in Thailand for a year, Benny brings authentic Muay Thai training straight to you. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this class will teach you fundamental strikes, footwork, and the art of eight limbs.

Get ready to sweat, sharpen your skills, and show the world vegans can still fight!

With Trainer Benny Green

• 3pm

An Introduction to Hunt Sabotage with Liverpool Hunt Saboteurs

Hunting with hounds was made illegal 20 years ago, yet hunts in England and Wales still routinely chase and kill wildlife. We will discuss what happens during a hunt, the direct action techniques used by hunt saboteurs to intervene and stop them killing, as well as how you can get actively involved both in and out of the field, and how you can support us. We'll also outline potential upcoming changes to the law, how you can help shape them and the limits of these changes.

With Liverpool Hunt Saboteurs

• 12pm

Seared Spring Cabbage, White Bean and Tamarind Mash and Curried Onion Sauce

Cookery Demonstration

With Maz Linford-Platt from COOK with the Vegetarian Society 

https://vegsoc.org/cook/

https://www.facebook.com/thevegetariansociety 

https://www.instagram.com/the_vegetarian_society/# 

• 1pm

Cabbage Pakoras with Tamarind Dip

Cookery Demonstration

With Maz Linford-Platt from COOK with the Vegetarian Society 

https://vegsoc.org/cook/

https://www.facebook.com/thevegetariansociety 

https://www.instagram.com/the_vegetarian_society/# 

• 2pm

Korean Street Toast

Cookery Demonstration

With Maz Linford-Platt from COOK with the Vegetarian Society 

https://vegsoc.org/cook/

https://www.facebook.com/thevegetariansociety 

https://www.instagram.com/the_vegetarian_society/#