Not Your Usual Hustings
Case study overview
Not Your Usual Hustings reimagined the traditional election hustings as a more welcoming, informal and youth-led event. It brought young people together with local candidates and party representatives ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. Instead of relying on a formal panel and audience question-and-answer session, the event used small round-table discussions. Young people could set the agenda, ask candidates about the issues that mattered to them and take part in more natural conversations. The format aimed to involve young people who might feel less confident speaking in a large group, helping them understand what the different parties represented and feel better prepared to vote.
How it worked
The in-person event was attended by 55 young people from schools, universities and youth organisations across Pontypridd, Cynon and Merthyr, and beyond. Local candidates and party representatives also attended, and a young person chaired the event.
Before the two-hour hustings began, young people were invited to arrive 45 minutes early for refreshments, a photo booth and to explore a mock polling station. During the main event, they took part in conversations, round-table discussions and interviews before completing an evaluation.
Impact
Evaluation showed that the event helped participants understand political issues and feel more confident taking part in political discussion:
- 90% said it improved their understanding of how politics and politicians affect their everyday lives.
- 87% felt more confident discussing issues that mattered to them.
- 83% said they were more likely to vote in the next Senedd election.
- 80% said they were more likely to talk to family and friends about politics and social issues after the event.
- 64% said it deepened their knowledge of the main issues being debated in the Senedd.
Key strengths
Candidates did not receive the questions in advance. This allowed young people to lead the discussions and hear candidates respond directly to their concerns.
Feedback showed that participants particularly valued politicians who answered openly and engaged with difficult questions. The round-table format created more natural conversations than a traditional question-and-answer session and gave more young people a chance to contribute.
Building in informal time before the hustings helped young people settle into the venue and feel more comfortable before meeting the candidates.
David Seale, a Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate, said:
“It has really made me happy to see so many young people engaged and enthusiastic, asking such pertinent questions. Of all the hustings I have been to so far, this has been my favourite.”
Key learning
- Work with organisations that can contribute relevant expertise. The Politics Project and the Electoral Commission provided resources and advice during planning.
- Involve young people throughout the planning process so the event reflects their interests and feels relevant to them.
- Use formats that allow young people to lead the conversation and ask their own questions.
- Include informal activities and arrival time to help participants feel comfortable in an unfamiliar venue.
- Do not rule out holding youth events during the school day. Although this was initially a concern, it enabled schools and organisations to bring larger groups of young people.
Further Information
Watch highlights from the hustings or visit the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Wales website for more information about their work.