Celebrated authors and historians to headline first-ever Tewkesbury History Festival
Posted on: 14 April 2026
A major new addition to the UK’s cultural calendar has been officially announced, as the inaugural Tewkesbury History Festival prepares to bring some of the world’s most respected historians, broadcasters, authors, and history influencers to the heart of Gloucestershire.
The festival has been curated by the John Moore Museum with Tewksbury Borough Council.
From Thursday, 18 June to Sunday, 21 June, the town’s medieval backdrop will play host to a who’s who of the history world. The festival brings together a lineup of television broadcasters, award-winning novelists, and pioneering archaeologists to explore everything from the secrets of Stonehenge to the trials of the Tudor court.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, 18 June with a focus on extraordinary women and royal power. Kate Vigurs presents Mission Europe – The Women of Special Operations Executive (SOE), revealing the extraordinary bravery of female agents during WWII. In the afternoon Alison Weir, the acclaimed historian and novelist, delves into Tudor mystery with The Boleyn Secret.
Followed by Julian Richards, archaeologist and broadcaster, who uncovers new insights into prehistoric Britain in Archaeology at Stonehenge. Taking a look into royal history, historian Nicola Tallis explores royal intrigue in The Uncrowned Queen.
The headliner for Thursday is renowned author Sarah Dunant, bestselling novelist, who closes the evening with a look at the Renaissance in The First Lady of the Renaissance: The Monstrous Marchesa of Mantua.
Friday, 19 June shifts focus to architecture and global heritage, featuring television presenter Piers Taylor on the Evolution of the English Home, Katie Hickman on storytelling and empire, and R.A.J. Waddingham on Viking culture. The day concludes with celebrated historian Ian Mortimer presenting an A–Z of English History.
The weekend line-up remains equally prestigious. Saturday, 20 June sees Matt Lewis tackle the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, while Kassia St Clair explores the social history of textiles in The Golden Thread. Nathen Amin examines Welsh identity through Owain Glyndŵr, and Kate Lister closes the night with A Galloping Catastrophe.
The festival concludes on Sunday, 21 June with a diverse range of sessions, from Tom Phillips’ Forest Folklore for Children to Elizabeth Norton’s exploration of 5,000 Years of Female Monarchy. Following sessions by Annie Garthwaite and Daisy Dixon, the festival finale will be delivered by historian and broadcaster Suzannah Lipscomb, whose talk on Witchcraft and the Witch Trials promises a dramatic close to the event.
Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Development, at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch the Tewkesbury History Festival, a landmark event that reflects our commitment to making our rich heritage accessible, engaging, and entertaining for everyone.
“Tewkesbury is a town where history is written into the very streets, and there is no better place to host such an esteemed line-up of experts. From royal intrigue and archaeology to folklore and social history, visitors can expect world-class storytelling in an unforgettable setting.
“We look forward to welcoming history enthusiasts from across the country – and our own local community – to what promises to be an exceptional four days for the borough.”
Kirstie Bingham, Heritage Manager for the John Moore Museum, said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Tewkesbury Borough Council to curate a fantastic lineup of speakers for this first year’s program; it’s a privilege to bring globally-recognised historians and acclaimed authors to our historic town.
“By connecting these leading experts with our unique local heritage, we hope to create an unforgettable experience that inspires and delights our residents and visitors.”
For booking, ticket information, full programme details, and venue locations, please visit the official festival website tewkesburyhistoryfestival.co.uk or contact the Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre.
