It'll soon be time to secure tickets for the Cotswolds' biggest annual celebration of world history, with the full lineup for this year's Cirencester History Festival being revealed this August 2026.
With a cast of big-name headliners already announced, the festival has now unveiled its full programme for 2026, featuring talks from renowned historians, authors and broadcasters exploring a range of fascinating topics, alongside creative activities aimed at people of all ages.
Joining the lineup is serving House of Lords member and former British diplomat, Lord Peter Ricketts, exploring whether the democratic institutions that shaped the modern world can endure a New World Order.
Renowned historians Janina Ramirez and Andrew Ziminski join online sensation Daniel Wilson, known for his Instagram page greatbritisharchiture, to discuss how to read ancient buildings.
Broadcaster and architectural historian Dan Cruickshank explores eight remarkable buildings that reveal centuries of social change; social historian David Kynaston and psychologist Steve Taylor investigate how the Beatles rewired the sixties; and author Roger Moorhouse reveals the 'claustrophobic and terrifying' reality of life inside Hitler’s U-boats.
Leading academic and historian Jagjeet Lally brings Mughal India to life through the experiences of its people; beloved children’s author Jamila Gavin tells the incredible true story of the first Indian soldier to win the Victoria Cross; while author and activist Guy Shrubsole and broadcaster and CPRE president Mary-Ann Ochota join festival president, Dame Fiona Reynolds, to debate the ongoing 'Battle for the British Countryside'.
Historian and Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins returns to the festival to explore the central role of the British village, as does Gloucestershire-based archaeologist and BBC Coast regular Mark Horton, re-examining the enduring legend of King Arthur and making 'a bold but compelling' case for him hailing from Cirencester!
Halloween highlights from its activities programme include the release of a brand new film, Ghosts: The Possession of Button House at The Barn Theatre; a workshop to make your own curse tablet at Corinium Museum; and a celebration of foraged feasting and folk music, at The Long Table.
Other events aimed at little history lover include celebrating 100 years of Winnie the Pooh at Cirencester Library; 250 years since the American Declaration of Independence with a traditional burger masterclass, and a young archaeologists club, both at Corinium Museum.
While new for 2026 is a fringe festival, with local community groups organising and promoting a range of events including walks and tours, exhibitions and displays, food, workshops, films and talks.
Dame Fiona Reynolds said: 'The 2026 festival brings an extraordinary mix of genres — global politics, Cold War drama, architectural history, empire, archaeology, urgent rural issues, family activities and hands‑on heritage.
'With the Bayeux Tapestry theme running throughout the week and the coup of a brand‑new Ghosts film release, this year feels especially rich and imaginative. I’m also delighted to be part of the closing‑day conversation on the future of the British countryside — a subject close to my heart.
'Check out the programme, book early, and support those who have given so much. It’s terrific.'
For the full programme of events, to book tickets from next Friday, or to sign up for its mailing list for all the latest festival updates, visit cirencesterhistoryfestival.org.
