We are so excited to welcome you to the University of Chester’s third annual Festival of Ideas. When we set out to create the first Festival in 2024, we had no idea how much interest and support we would attract from event leaders, city partners and attendees, but the Festival has continued to grow and we hope that this year will be our best yet.
This year we had an unprecedented number of events submitted for inclusion in the programme. A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has shared with us their expertise, time and enthusiasm – reading all of the wonderful ideas that come in is the best part of the planning cycle for our team and the Festival of Ideas Steering Group.
Each year the Festival stands against the backdrop of a challenging news cycle and individual challenges, local concerns and global anxieties have always been in our minds as we discuss the events programme. This year is certainly no exception. And yet, through the ideas they share, all our event leaders bring a sense of hope for the future. Our invitation to you is to approach each event with curiosity, an open mind, and an appreciation for ideas, discussion and the chance to reflect.
We hope you enjoy your visit to this year’s Festival of Ideas. If you’ve come for one event, please do browse the others in this programme and consider joining us at another – everything is free and you are very welcome.
The
Festival
of Ideas
Team (Katherine, Hannah, Jane and Sarah)
Headline Speakers
Meet this year’s headline speakers, who we’ve handpicked to challenge, inspire and entertain. This year we’ve included something for children and families, as well as the usual discussions about the issues affecting our world.
The Royal Institution
Events for children and families, exploring how energy affects our lives: get ready for fire-based demonstrations!
3 July - 11:00, 13:00, 18:00 - Exton Park
Mariella Frostrup
Mariella and the University’s Professor Emma Rees will discuss the economic imperatives of equality.
3 July - 18:00 - Exton Park
Professor Gary Younge
Gary and the University’s Professor Tim Grady will discuss the role of democratic politics during tumultuous times.
3 July - 19:30 - Exton Park
Greg Jenner
A family friendly event, blending humour and fascinating facts as Greg explores the chaos of Roman Britian.
4 July - 12:00 - Town Hall
Mya-rose craig
Mya-Rose will talk to the University’s Dr Rebecca Collins about engaging young people in caring for nature.
4 July - 14:00 - Picture House
Dame Jenny Harries
Jenny will discuss her roles in frontline medicine and national leadership, with the University’s Dr Kirstie Simpson.
4 July - 16:00 - Picture House
David Baddiel
Join the University’s Dr Hannah Ewence in conversation with David Baddiel- award-winning comedian, bestselling author, and acclaimed cultural commentator.
5 July - 13:00 - Town Hall
Festival Map
Here you can find all of the venues where the
Canal Bridge (CH1 4EE)
Exton
Grosvenor Museum (CH1 2DD) Picturehouse (CH1 2AR)
(CH1 4BJ)
Queens Park (CH4 7AD)
Storyhouse (CH1 2AR) Chester Town Hall (CH1 2HQ) Riverside Innovation Centre (CH1 1SL)
Our Event Themes
This year we have organised our events into different themes to make it easier for you to find events that match your interests: scan the QR codes below or use the filter function on our website.
Inclusive Societies Our Natural World
Power & Politics Scientific Discovery
Thriving at Work
Thursday 2nd July 2026
*The programme is subject to change. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date listings.
friday 3rd July 2026
*The programme is subject to change. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date listings.
saturday 4th July 2026
*The programme is subject to change. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date listings.
Wild futures drop in!
Saturday 4th July 2026 - Chester Town Hall
A range of hands-on and interactive events for all ages – have fun and learn how to help our planet!
Scan the QR code to view more events for children and young people!
What’s On?
Here’s a look at just some of the drop-in activities that will be at Chester Town Hall from 14:30 to 17:00 – no need to book, and don’t forget to bring your household items for the repair café!
Mini scientist
Hands-on experience where young scientists (and their parents!) can explore the biomolecular world by extracting DNA from fruits using household items.
NATURE AT NIGHT
Join the Nature at Night project team to find out about bat-walks and digital citizen science.
Owl Pellet dissections
Join us to try your hand at dissecting owl pellets and exploring what our hooting friends get up to when they are heard, but not seen.
Wildlife Quest
Drop in to play a game with Chester Zoo’s Youth Board and Youth Network.
REPAIR CAFE
Drop in to a pop-up Repair Café and see community repair in action. Local volunteers will help repair everyday household items while sharing simple skills you can use at home.
Night-time safari
Come on a night safari via remote waterhole cameras situated throughout sub-Saharan Africa!
sunday 5th July 2026
*The programme is subject to change. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date listings.
ACCESSIBILITY
Chester Festival of Ideas aims to be inclusive and accessible to all participants and we’ve put in place some measures to support this. If you have any questions, please ask a member of the Festival Team.
Venues
Most of our venues are fully accessible (please do check the event details on the website particularly for the walks). All levels of Chester Town Hall are accessible: there is lift access to the different floors which is available through a side entrance to the Town Hall via Princess Street. The only room in the Town Hall that is not fully accessible is the Courtroom. Assistance dogs are welcome at all venues.
British Sign Language (BSL) Interpretation
BSL interpretation will be available at selected events on the Saturday and Sunday, please ask at the information desk for details or check on our website.
Sensory Backpacks
We have sensory backpacks available for Festival goers who wish to use them. Our sensory backpacks include resources that provide support with engaging with the festival events. They are free to use and are available at the main festival hub inside the entrance to Chester Town Hall.
There is an option to include access requirements when booking for an event. We will strive to accommodate requests from those who book in advance and drop-ins on the day.
A Course That Goes Beyond Lectures
Study at the University of Chester
At Chester, your learning goes beyond lectures. Our distinctive academic experience combines expert teaching with real-world opportunities to help you develop practical, career-ready skills. You’ll learn through our Chester Future Skills framework, designed to build the attributes employers value most – from adaptability and creativity to digital confidence.
Use this space to make notes, doodle or record your own ideas! ideas
