The official countdown has now begun for a new summer festival launching in Chester. Entitled the “Chester Festival of Ideas”, the clock is now ticking to ensure all activities included will entertain, inspire and inform.
The brand-new festival was created by Chester University and its partners, and will provide a dedicated programme of accessible and inclusive free public events taking place in and around the historic city. Many important Chester landmarks and businesses will be getting involved in the four-day event.
For example, Chester Cathedral will be hosting a discussion forum titled ‘Assemble’, while the Grosvenor Museum will be running multiple ‘Shout Out’ events focusing on its treasures and collections of antiquities. Chester Roman Tours will present a special session that explores culture and diversity in the Roman Army, while the Cheshire Archives and Local Studies will be showcasing its ongoing work to the public.
Multiple guest speakers have already been confirmed to appear at the Festival of Ideas. These events will include discussion panels, pop-up exhibitions, theatre productions, interactive activities, readings, musical performances and guided walks.
Parliamentarian, actress, broadcaster, presenter, writer and campaigner Baroness Floella Benjamin will be among the festival’s guests presenting the free public talks. However, other esteemed speakers include the menopause specialist and GP Dr Louise Newson and historian, broadcaster, writer, filmmaker and presenter Professor David Olusoga.
The festival’s main themes will include sustainable communities, health and wellbeing, culture, arts and creativity, entrepreneurship, historic investigation and scientific futures.
Chester Festival of Ideas will start on Thursday, July 4 and finish on Sunday, July 7.
