Boys will be boys anything they want to be

Boys are losing spaces to be boys today.
They’re struggling to make and maintain close friendships.
And, like girls, they’re affected by gender stereotypes.

This is what we found when we spoke to over 1,000 boys across England, Scotland, and Wales. Last year we brought their thoughts to the fore in our Voice of the Boys report – but what comes next?

Festival of the Boy

The team behind the incredibly successful Festival of the Girl – a proven model of community engagement, thoughtful design, and measurable impact – have been busy planning. This year they’re launching the first Festival of the Boy, and we’re partnering with them.

It’s time for a joyous, impactful, gender stereotype-breaking space for boys.

This isn’t to say spaces for girls aren’t needed and valid, they absolutely are, but boys are telling us their spaces are lost. 

Let’s listen to them.
Let’s create the space.
Let’s show them all the types of boy and man they can be.

When and where:

16th or 17th May 2026 in London.
More details to follow on the website and via the mailing list.