Taking place at The Eastside Rooms form 12th-13th June, the national gathering brings together community organisers, creatives, and co-operative leaders to explore how collective action is shaping the future of business, culture and local communities.

Hesmondhalgh will speak about the high-profile campaign to save Oldham Coliseum Theatre through community ownership, a powerful example of grassroots action protecting vital cultural spaces.

She said: “The campaign to save Oldham Coliseum showed what can happen when a community refuses to give up on something it loves. When people organise and act together, they can protect the places that matter and build something stronger.”

Hosted by Co-operatives UK, this year’s Congress is themed ‘Co-operate, and we can change the world,, reflecting growing momentum behind people-powered business models across sectors from the arts to energy, housing and tech.

The opening session will feature a live performance from Manchester poet Tony Walsh (This Beautiful Idea), followed by a panel with Hesmondhalgh, Birmingham’s Lisa Trickett (Kings Heath Community Centre) and Martina Murphy (Oldham Coliseum Theatre).

Other speakers include West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, broadcaster Amber Sandhu, climate journalist Maeve Campbell, and leaders from The Co-operative Bank, Community Energy England and Birmingham City Council.

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, said: “Co-op Congress is about hope, ideas and action, bringing people together to show that a different way of doing business is not only possible, but already happening.”

The year’s Congress programme will feature talks, workshops and performances covering community ownership, climate action, youth participation and ethical business, with a strong focus on accessibility and next-generation voices.