Join us for a panel discussion on the rise of conspiracy theories - when science fiction becomes reality and fantasy becomes the truth.

What was once dismissed as a shadowy online phenomenon in the US is becoming something more disturbing, more mainstream, more international, and more mystical and the effects are now being felt in Britain.

From QAnon to unfounded theories about vaccines and Covid 19, from anti-5G conspiracies to believing in an international child trafficking ring run by politicians and Hollywood, these internet memes are emerging in the public realm.

Our speakers include:

- Sarah Dixon and James Beecher, with a group of local volunteers, helped start the Stroud Coronavirus Community Response to share quality, fact-checked information and guidance, and to help support each other in our communities during the pandemic.

- Lynn Haanen is Co-coordinator of the Stroud District Green Party. Prior to moving to Stroud, she lived in Guatemala for over a decade and was a Democratic Party activist and local elected official in the state of Wisconsin.

- Tom Scott is a writer and editor based in Falmouth, Cornwall and a lecturer at Falmouth University. With particular interest in political disinformation and in 2019 authored 'Facing Down Facebook: Reclaiming Democracy in the Age of (Anti) Social Media', a report for the European Parliament with policy recommendations on reforming the social media landscape. He is also the Cornwall editor for the new online newspaper West Country Bylines.

Please keep an eye on social media for updates.

The event will start at 7.30pm, attendees can join from 7.15pm.

Hope to see you there!