Power Shift is our big national student activist summer gathering - a long weekend packed with talks, workshops and panels on how to get your university to take action on climate and migrant justice!
Joinus!
What's it all about?
Trump attacking Venezuela. Israel waging a genocidal war on Palestine and in collaboration with the US, waging an illegal war on Iran. Record-breaking temperatures. Billionaires getting richer by the hour. Hunger strikers ignored by the UK government. Nearly one hundred migrating people dead in the English channel while crossing. Fascism on the rise.
As climate breakdown forces more and more people to flee their homes, governments are erecting borders, fueling racism and creating ever more hostile environments for migrants.
And just as fossil fuel companies have long driven - and profited from - the destruction of our planet, there are companies profiting from the misery inflicted on migrants - whether it be through surveillance, detention centres or deportations.
UK universities are investing and signing partnership deals with these companies. In doing so, they are providing these industries with the legitimacy to continue operating.
To confront the climate crisis and border violence, we need to cut off the industries that sustain them. We need to stop our universities funding and supporting the fossil fuel and border industries.
Who is it for?
Power Shift is open to university students across the UK, aged 18 or above. Whichever university you’re from, whether you’re a seasoned campaigner or brand new to activism, and whether you’re coming by yourself or with friends, there’s something for everyone!
We are committed to building movements that are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in care. Power Shift will be a safe, welcoming space where people can learn, question, and grow together.
Why should I attend?
- Learn how to start up and run a powerful campaign group on your campus, and develop big plans for the new term!
- Build your understanding of the root causes of climate and migrant injustice, how our universities are complicit, and how we can take collective action to achieve change.
- Build campaigning skills with practical workshops for beginners and experienced organisers alike.
- Connect with other like-minded students from across the country, share ideas, and build friendships that last.
- Be part of a radical, caring student movement fighting for justice on our campuses and beyond.
What should I expect?
Over four days, we'll be running a range of workshops, panels, trainings, and socials. You can deepen your understanding of topics from border abolition to the just transition, attend practical workshops to help you develop your campaigning skills, and meet other student activists from across the country who are challenging their universities’ complicity in border violence and climate breakdown. On top of that, we’ll also have evening socials, including a campfire, People & Planet Talent Show, games, crafting and a chill space, AND communal vegan and vegetarian meals - because a joyous movement is an effective movement!
At this year's event, we will also be discussing and deciding upon submissions for the next People & Planet national social justice campaign! Make sure you book your ticket to have your say on the future of our movement.
Venue
The Wilderness Centre, Wysis Way, Plump Hill, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0HA
The nearest train station is Gloucester, from which you can get a local bus to Mitcheldean. We will be sharing more information on transport options soon!
Programme
Our programme will be released soon! In the meantime, take a note of the arrival and departure times!
- Arrivals: 5pm, Friday 3 July, 2026
- Departure: 1pm, Monday 6 July 2026
Camping and accommodation
There is a range of accomodation available when you book your ticket. We've got:
- Camping - Bring your own tent and camp stuff! There are outdoor showers and facilities on site.
- Bell tents - These are already errected on site. It's four people per tent. Roll matts are included but bring your own sleeping bag!
- Beds in shared dorms - These are in the main building. Bedding is included. These are a range of different sized dorms, including women + non-binary only rooms.
After you've booked we'll contact you to ask if you have any preferences for who you'd like to share a room/ bell tent with if you're coming as a group or with friends.
Accessibility: If you are a wheelchair user, please get in touch before you book your ticket so we can let you know the details of the venue. The building is semi-accessible but we are keen to do all we can to put in place adjustments that may be needed. You can reach us at: powershift@peopleandplanet.org
Food
All meals during the weekend are included in your ticket price! Vegan and vegetarian options will be available and we'll work to provide for other dietary requirements too!
What if I can't afford it?
Early-bird discounted tickets are available until midnight on 15 May! Register now to get your lower price ticket!
If cost would be a barrier to you attending (even with the early-bird discount), you can apply to our access fund! We are able to offer free tickets and up to £50 as a contribution towards travel expenses. If you wish to apply to our access fund, please email powershift@peopleandplanet.org letting us know which university you're at and where you'll be travelling from.
We would also encourage you to reach out to your student union in case they might be able to help fund your place at our event or subsidise your travel. We have support on hand to help you with this! Just get in touch.
Got questions?
Feel free to email us at powershift@peopleandplanet.org!