Bringing history to life with some of the world's most inspiring historians, authors and broadcasters, Gloucester History Festival is back at Blackfriars Priory this September 2025.
Kicking off on Gloucester Day on Saturday 6 September 2025 with a parade through the city centre, the festival promises two weeks of insightful events, from its iconic Blackfriars Talks held in one of Gloucester's most ancient and unique buildings, to the ever-popular Heritage Open Days.
Spearheaded by festival president, author and presenter of BBC2's Raiders of the Lost Past, Dr Janina Ramirez, there's a stacked lineup of esteemed guests to celebrate the event's 15th year.
Who is on the lineup at Gloucester History Festival 2025?
Famous names include Frank Skinner in conversation; Celia Imrie sharing the stories of the real women who inspired her historical novel Meet Me At Rainbow Corner with researcher Fidelis Morgan; historian and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts taking a deep dive into her illustrious career so far; author Sebastian Faulks exploring 'how he puts the past onto the page'; and Horrible Histories guru and host of the 'You're Dead to Me' podcast, Greg Jenner, revealing fascinating facts from The Stone Age.
Those with an interest in politics won't want to miss former prime minister Michael Heseltine sharing revelations about his time working with Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron; and former Liberal Democrat leader and economist, Vince Cable, discussing how China and India are changing the face of the global economy.
There's a special live recording of Radio 4 series Great Lives with Matthew Parris; historian David Musgrove asks the big questions about the Bayeux Tapestry; bestselling author Peter Frankopan revisits the Silk Roads; historian Andy Mellor transports audiences to Tolkein's Gloucestershire; BBC Points West reporter Steve Knibbs joins master magician Andi Gladwin and psychologist Richard Wiseman to uncover the marvellous history of magic; and the festival celebrates 30 years of Gloucester Rugby with a panel of Cherry and Whites legends.
Heritage Open Days are taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September, giving curious visitors a chance to step inside some of Gloucester's most fascinating buildings, usually off-limits to the public.
And new for 2025, there is also a series of free events taking place in The Scriptorium Buttery at Blackfriars Priory, giving attendees the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the friars who once lived there.
Open from 9am to 9pm each day of the festival, visitors can take part in the history book swap, see mesmerising Morris dancing, listen to live folk music, enjoy mini talks from storytellers, local historians and more – and even sip on a cider or two at Cider Night – in the atmospheric setting of Britain's best-preserved medieval library.
When is Gloucester History Festival?
Gloucester History Festival is on from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
How much are Gloucester History Festival tickets?
Individual event tickets cost £10 to £12.
Festival passes, providing in-person access to all events, cost £400 each, while day passes, providing access to all events on one selected day cost £55.
For anyone unable to attend in person, Gloucester History Festival is also offering a digital festival pass for £65 each, providing a livestream of all 48 Blackfriars Talks to enjoy online at home.
How to book tickets to Gloucester History Festival
For more information, or to book tickets and passes, visit gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.
