Final call to community to put forward festival events
The Chester Festival of Ideas team is urging people across the community to seize the opportunity to showcase themselves and their work as the deadline to bring forward events for the exciting 2026 programme approaches.
Created by the University of Chester in collaboration with partners, the award-winning, four-day, summer festival is returning for the third time, after proving a success with thousands of visitors enjoying its near-to-100 events held each year since its launch.
The festival will feature a mix of fascinating, free and accessible events, for all ages and interests, from some of the UK’s leading broadcasters sharing insights to spectacular science shows. The calendar highlight celebrates imagination, inspiration, learning and culture, including talks, exhibitions, performances, and hands-on workshops, and takes place from Thursday July 2 to Sunday July 5.
Individuals, organisations and communities are reminded that they have until March 4 to submit their ideas through the festival website, to be part of the roster of events at venues across the city.
The call-out to the community extends to both primary and secondary schools across the North West, North Wales and beyond, to host events, or share projects or pupils’ work around the theme of ‘Our Future in Our Hands’.
Among the names taking to the festival stage this year are journalist, broadcaster, author and campaigner, Mariella Frostrup, and author, broadcaster, former editor-at-large at The Guardian and Professor, Gary Younge.
Adding to the line-up will be Greg Jenner, best known for working on the award-winning BBC TV series, Horrible Histories as its historical consultant, and for creating and hosting the BBC podcast, You're Dead To Me. Environmentalist, Dr Mya-Rose Craig also joins the guests, University of Chester Chancellor and former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Dame Jenny Harries will reflect on a life in public service, and the Royal Institution will host a trio of thrilling science shows.
Meanwhile, a range of research and expertise will be presented by University of Chester staff including Dr James Holt, Associate Professor of Religious Education, who will discuss On Holy Ground: Experiencing Life in Relationships. Authors from the University of Chester Press will also lead events including Dr Anthony Annakin-Smith exploring the subject of The Early Neston Collieries.
Katherine Wilson, Director of Chester Festival of Ideas and Professor of Later Medieval European History at the University of Chester, said: “A huge thankyou to everyone who has already submitted an event proposal for this year’s festival.
“If you would also like to present an event as part of the festival and shine a light on your school, community group or organisation and its work, do make sure to get your submission in before the deadline closes on March 4.
“We’re excited to see the ideas and energy people will bring to the festival, helping us shape another four unforgettable and thought-provoking days of creativity, fun and celebration.”
Schools are encouraged to delve into the power of individual choices, community action, and innovative thinking in addressing issues such as climate change, social justice, science, interpretations of history or technological advancement. It is the intention this year to support a small number of schools with their travel arrangements, where this is a barrier to being able to join in.
Event submission is open through the form available on the Festival of Ideas website. Inspiration for event ideas can also be found on the website.
A full festival programme and booking for events will open in May. For further information on the festival, and to join the mailing list for updates, please visit: https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/
Images - from top:
- Schools-led events in 2025 shared learning including insights into the contribution of children to the industrial heritage of the North West and Chester.
- Combined image - clockwise from top left: Greg Jenner; Mariella Frostrup; Prof Gary Younge, Dr Mya-Rose Craig and a Royal Institution science show.
- Walking events during the past two years have included introducing attendees to the sites of Roman battles, examples of Chester’s sustainable future, and how technology can join with the natural world.