Time Travellers Welcome: Tewkesbury Launches Its First Ever History Festival

Step into the past this summer as a brand-new celebration of history arrives in one of England’s most atmospheric medieval towns.

The first-ever Tewkesbury History Festival is set to make its debut from 18–21 June, bringing together an extraordinary line-up of historians, authors, broadcasters and storytellers. Set against the backdrop of Tewkesbury’s beautifully preserved streets, the four-day event promises a rich journey through time, spanning ancient Britain to the modern age.

The festival opens on Thursday with a powerful focus on hidden histories and remarkable lives. Highlights include Kate Vigurs uncovering the bravery of female SOE agents during the Second World War, Alison Weir delving into Tudor intrigue, and Julian Richards shedding new light on prehistoric Britain. The day continues with Nicola Tallis exploring royal drama, before Sarah Dunant closes the evening with a vivid portrait of Renaissance Italy.

Friday offers an eclectic mix of architecture, empire, and medieval history. Piers Taylor traces the evolution of the English home using Tewkesbury as a case study, while Katie Hickman discusses storytelling and empire. Visitors can also enjoy sessions on Viking culture with R. A. J. Waddingham, the Knights Hospitallers with Rory MacLellan, and a sweeping journey through the past with Ian Mortimer’s A–Z of English History.

Saturday’s programme is packed with compelling stories, from Matt Lewis examining the mystery of the Princes in the Tower to Melanie Backe-Hansen revealing the hidden histories of British homes. Kassia St Clair explores the cultural significance of textiles, Nathen Amin brings Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion to life, and Kate Lister closes the day with her engaging take on historical catastrophe.

The festival concludes on Sunday with something for all ages. Families can enjoy Tom Phillips’ Forest Folklore for Children, while Elizabeth Norton charts 5,000 years of female monarchy. Annie Garthwaite revisits the women of the Wars of the Roses, and Daisy Dixon explores the provocative side of art in The Story of Depravity.

Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious about the stories that shaped our world, the Tewkesbury History Festival promises an unforgettable experience in a truly historic setting.

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