Chester Festival of Ideas : 2nd to 5th July 2026

Chester Festival of Ideas

The award-winning, four-day annual festival is returning in the summer for the third time, after proving a success with thousands of visitors enjoying nearly 100 events held each year since its launch.

Created by the University of Chester in collaboration with partners, the festival offers a programme of free and accessible public events on a wide range of themes, for all ages and interests, at venues across the city.

The city 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.

Among the many names taking to the festival stage in 2026 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, public historian, author, and broadcaster, 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, and the Royal Institution will lead a trio of exciting science shows to wow children and families, offering something for everyone.

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