For the Love of Sharks 2024 - Steve Backshall and Guests

We’re pleased to announce that Steve Backshall, Simon Rogerson, Kirsty Andrews and Ali Hood will all be speaking at this years’ For Love of Sharks 2024. The evening will be filled with stories of discovery and connection, sharing their love for this fascinating family of marine animals. 

Steve Backshall*: One of television’s busiest presenters, BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve has been passionate about the wild world ever since he was young. 

Steve’s impressive TV career has taken him all around the world, investigating a wide array of species and environments. Steve has filmed over 100 hours of children's wildlife programmes with the BAFTA award winning Deadly 60 franchise and recently, with Sky Nature, for his new series ‘Whale with Steve Backshall'.

Simon Rogerson: is a photojournalist specialising in natural history, diving and the sea.

He is editor of SCUBA magazine, the official journal of the British Sub-Aqua Club, and prior to that edited DIVE magazine. Simon started his career as a crime reporter, writing longform articles on the subject for national publications, but gravitated towards his ‘less depressing’ interest in underwater exploration, joining the staff of DIVE magazine in 1999. In 2005 he was named ‘Editor of the Year’ in the PPA’s Independent Publishing Awards. Simon also works as a freelance writer, contributing frequently to the Sunday Times and Telegraph, in addition to BBC Wildlife, Esquire, and a host of international diving magazines. He is the author of a book, Dive Red Sea, published by Ultimate Sports. Now based in Berkshire, Simon has been a Patron of the Shark Trust for 20 years. 

Ali Hood: Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust.

Ali has been with the Trust since 2002 and works to secure management and protection for vulnerable species; to develop sustainable fisheries; to hold governments and industry to account for their commitments. She endeavours to inspire the public, researchers, documentary makers, and the media to step away from the tired rhetoric of sharks as species to fear. And instead to grasp the consequences of biodiversity loss, and the fundamental role played by elasmobranchs in our ocean’s health.

Kirsty Andrew: Underwater Photographer

Doors open at 6.00pm (bar available in the Map Room, opportunity to view the oceanic 31 artwork in the pavilion)
The event will start promptly at 7.00pm and will wrap up at 10:00pm.  

All profits from the event will support the Shark Trust’s conservation work. There will be the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for several oceanic 31 art pieces. As well as the opportunity to bid for art pieces via an online auction. 

Please note that whilst children are welcome (and would be very much encouraged), there may be some adult themes discussed during the presentation.

*the line up is subject to change if unforeseen circumstances arise