Experience talks, interactive Q&As and book signings from the world’s leading historians and authors
BBC History Magazine's History Weekend festivals are back this autumn for the seventh year running, with a new venue, and its best line up yet. Later this year the team travels to a new location, in Chester, at Chester Town Hall between 25th and 27th October. Over the course of a packed weekend, there will be around 30 diverse and engaging talks, interactive Q&As and book signings from the world's leading historians and authors including Michael Wood, Alison Weir, Dan Jones, Tracy Borman and BBC Radio 4's Jenni Murray.
The Chester line-up includes bestselling author and historian Tracy Borman, who, inspired by her debut novels (The King's Witch and its sequel, The Devil's Slave), will take us into the turbulent world of the early Stuart court, where King James I waged a war on witches and Catholics alike. Tudor historian and archaeologist Robert Hutchinson delves into the life of Henry VIII, who towards the end, was a vulnerable king, thwarted in his ambitions. Meanwhile, historian and broadcaster Michael Wood, will discuss how when clearing out his parents' house two years ago, he found a photograph from 1884 showing a group of eleven Peterloo veterans from Failsworth, his father's town. It's the only surviving photo of people from Peterloo. So, who were they? What were their stories?
David Musgrove, BBC History Magazine Content Director, says: "We're very excited to have new venues for our annual weekends. Chester is a great places to visit for history enthusiasts, all the more so when you can come along to our events and listen to such a fantastic range of speakers. We are delighted that so many great historians and writers have been able to join us once more, and we look forward to what promises to be a great weekend of history this autumn".
History Fringe also returns this year where, as well as the main lecture series, festival visitors can enjoy free short sessions guaranteed to keep you occupied and informed between talks. Taking place throughout Saturday and Sunday, the History Weekends have partnered with scholars from the University of Chester who will host these educational taster sessions on a broad range of fascinating topics.
See the full line-up for both events, and details of how to buy tickets at www.historyextra.com/events or call 0871 620 4021. Subscribers to BBC History Magazine can take advantage of a reduced rate for all ticket options, and there are discounts for visitors buying tickets for both festivals.
![Stephen Webb [Frank-N-Furter], Richard Meek [Brad], Haley Flaherty [Janet] & cast](/resources/images/128x89/1x/17679473.jpg)
![Stephen Webb [Frank-N-Furter], Richard Meek [Brad], Haley Flaherty [Janet] & cast](/resources/images/180x180/1x/17679473.jpg)
