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NLC Clubs & Circles

The NLC thrives on the contribution of our diverse membership to Club life.

Our member-led Clubs & Circles cover a range of topics including, politics, culture & arts, business and sports. These groups allow our Members to regularly meet, socialise and network with other Members and guests in the comfort of our Clubhouse or on away day trips together.

Meet and Network
with Like-Minded Members

Joining one of our NLC Clubs & Circles is the perfect way for Members of all ages to pursue shared passions and make new friends.

Younger Members

The Younger Members’ Group at the National Liberal Club organises social, cultural, and networking events tailored for members under 35. It provides a welcoming space for younger members to connect, engage in discussions, and participate actively in the Club’s vibrant community life.

Theatre & Arts

The Theatre and Arts Circle at the National Liberal Club brings together members with a shared passion for the arts. It hosts talks, performances, and outings to plays, exhibitions, and concerts, offering a lively forum for cultural appreciation and discussion within the Club’s historic setting.

Snooker Circle

The Snooker Circle at the National Liberal Club offers members the chance to enjoy friendly games and informal competitions on the Club’s full-sized table. It welcomes players of all skill levels and provides a relaxed environment for both socialising and honing snooker skills.

Explore all our
Member-led NLC Clubs & circles

  • Politics & Talks
  • Arts & Culture
  • Networking & Socials
  • Sports & Games

Political and Economic Circle

Founded in 1888, the NLC’s Political & Economic Circle is the Club’s oldest and one of its most prestigious circles. It brings together members with an interest in politics, economics, and current affairs, hosting regular events with high-profile and thought-provoking speakers from across the political and cultural spectrum. Past speakers have included George Bernard Shaw, William Beveridge, Field Marshal Montgomery, Tony Benn, Enoch Powell, Sam Wanamaker, and Robin Day. The Circle continues to offer lively discussion, intellectual engagement, and a space for members to explore the pressing issues of the day.

Defence & Security Circle

Successfully launched in October 2020, the Defence & Security Circle is dedicated to creating a space for informed discussion on some of the most pressing and evolving issues in global defence, security, and international affairs. Designed with busy professionals and Club members in mind, the Circle hosts engaging early evening events—often online and sometimes in person at the Club. These include high-quality fireside chats and expert panel discussions, featuring thought leaders from across the defence, policy, and security sectors. The Circle aims to foster insight, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges shaping our world.

European Forum

The European Forum keeps members informed about political, economic, and cultural developments across the 50+ countries of the European continent, including the EU27 and over 20 non-EU nations. The Forum organises talks, discussions, and informal meet-ups, offering members the chance to engage with current affairs.

Commonwealth Forum

The NLC Commonwealth Forum keeps members up to date with developments from around the Commonwealth and organises lectures, seminars, diplomatic receptions and visits to Commonwealth countries. Welcoming diplomats and members interested in the Commonwealth, it is the perfect environment for learning more about the Commonwealth and its latest developments.

Orpington Circle

The Orpington Circle was founded at the National Liberal Club in 2008 to commemorate the landmark Liberal victory in the 1962 Orpington by-election and to support future parliamentary campaigns. Now re-launched, the Lib Dem Orpington Circle aims to raise the Liberal Democrat profile within the NLC by hosting engaging events focused on party priorities and political issues. While rooted in Liberal Democrat values, the Circle welcomes all members and guests. It also plays a vital fundraising role, helping to support future by-election successes through the Club’s network.

Global Cities Circle

The Global Cities Circle (GCC) brings together professionals with an interest in the economics and business of cities (i.e. how cities operate): urban development, town planning, economic geography of cities, special economic zones, industry clusters, city infrastructure, urban real estate development, urban design, sustainable construction and transportation, logistics and supply chains, municipal governance, urban studies and research. GCC organises panel discussions, round tables, guest speaker lecture series and networking events.

International Development Circle

The International Development Circle promotes discussion on contemporary issues facing the UK aid programme, the FCDO, and the future of official aid, while also addressing the wider challenges of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It hosts a diverse programme of quarterly events at the NLC with high-profile speakers and panellists from government, parliament, international agencies, academia, the private sector, and NGOs, often in collaboration with other Circles and external partners.

 

Energy Circle

Exploring the Future of Energy: The energy industry is shifting from fossil fuels to renewables, creating a wealth of timely and important topics.

The Energy Circle offers a platform to explore these issues through two annual evening events, in March and October. Speakers cover technologies, resources, security, economics, policy, and market design. Themes include the energy transition, renewables, carbon capture, hydrogen, nuclear, fusion, and the evolving role of oil & gas.

Sustainability Forum

The NLC Sustainability Forum provides a forum for those interested in the Sustainable Development Goals a chance to meet, connect and pitch ideas to improve sustainability across the globe. A monthly discussion club is held the first Thursday of every month, and expert speaker events are held throughout the year. For more information and all the latest news and updates please click here >>

Diversity & Inclusion Advisory and Consultation Group (DIACG)

The Diversity and Inclusion Advisory and Consultation Group (DIACG) works to advance diversity recruitment and also promotes inclusion. This is done through co-hosting events with individual CCGs, and generally acting as a resource for club, circles and committees as well as engaging in targeted activities focussed on diversity. The DIACG works mainly in collaboration with the Membership Committee and the Marketing and Communications Committee.

Find out more
about becoming
a Member

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