Fka Twigs, Lily Phillips, And More Star-Studded Lineup At The Phil This Year

Who's Who at The Phil: FKA Twigs to Olivia Wilde

This year, the University Philosophical Society (known as the Phil) is gearing up with an eclectic mix of high-profile guests. Among the intriguing names making an appearance are the talented singer-songwriter FKA Twigs and the headline-grabbing British actress Lily Phillips. They join a stellar lineup featuring the likes of Hasan Piker, Daniel O’Donnell, Melinda French Gates, and Olivia Wilde.

Set in the historic Graduates Memorial Building (GMB), these visits are part of the Phil's tradition of provocative debates held every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Over the coming term, the Phil will host 11 debates tackling a range of hot topics, such as OnlyFans, prison abolition, communism, and nuclear weapons.

Debates That Spark: From OnlyFans to Prison Abolition

This academic year kicks off with a bang, as the motion ‘This House Would Bring Back Shame’ opens the season on September 18. Mark your calendars for October 16, when Lily Phillips takes the spotlight to discuss ‘This House Regrets the Rise of Only Fans’. Joining her are Northern Irish star Meghan O’Neill and Trinity’s own historian Dr. Ruth Karras, promising a lively exchange.

In another much-anticipated debate on November 11, Labour leader Ivana Bacik and former IRA volunteer Laurance McKeown will engage in a discussion on ‘This House Prefers a World Without Prisons’. This event is co-hosted with the Trinity Law Society, adding legal insights to the conversation.

Honorary Patrons and Student Voices

Each year, 15 guests are named honorary patrons of the Phil, and the 2025/26 roster is nothing short of impressive. The list includes Aron D’Souza, Biig Piig, E. Jean Carroll, Hamza Yousef, John Collison, Julienne Lusenge, Mariana Mazzucato, Nigel Owens, Rhys McClenagan, and Sarah Friar, alongside some already-mentioned guests.

Phil secretary Matilda Brewe expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming events: "We had a huge summer for confirming speakers and guests, with a lot of work from all members of council. I have great expectations for both the OnlyFans debate and the prison debate – the caliber of guests confirmed there and their personal experiences with the subject matter will really enrich the discussions."

“As excited as we are to welcome these great guests to the Phil, we’re even more excited to hear from student speakers in the coming year," Brewe added. "I’d encourage everyone who sees a debate they’re interested in to sign up to speak through the form in the Phil’s Instagram bio.”