Final countdown to free, four-day Festival of Ideas

Final preparations are underway as excitement builds for the free festival, featuring close-to 100 events. Organised by the University of Chester and partners, it runs from Thursday July 3 to Sunday July 6, 2025.

The festival is back after its inaugural success in 2024, with everything from the chance to hear from well-known, inspirational sportspeople and broadcasters to the opportunity to get creative at art workshops and enjoy guided walks.

Aiming to celebrate, entertain, inform and inspire, the events for all ages and interests span a range of themes: Arts and Literature; Curious About Chester; Discovery; Fun for Families; Health and Wellbeing; History; Natural World and the Power of Politics.

They will be hosted at venues across Chester, including Chester Town Hall - the festival hub, Storyhouse, the Grosvenor Museum, Chester Cathedral, Chester Market, Chester Picturehouse and event spaces across the University of Chester.

Guests for this year include seven-time Paralympian champion, Hannah Cockroft OBE; former chief news correspondent for the BBC, Kate Adie CBE; full-time GP, author, ambassador for The National Wildlife Trust and The Butterfly Conservation Society, Dr Amir Khan; writer and broadcaster, Natalie Haynes, and survivor, global advocate and keynote speaker on human trafficking, Jane Lasonder.

The festival is also a fantastic opportunity to find out more about public engagement and research led by the University, with academics sharing their insights on subjects from the psychology of TV’s The Traitors and the science of endurance sports to Jane Austen and the birth of detective fiction, and the history of Chester and beyond. Also among the topics covered are: progress on health inequalities, whether twinning links are still relevant, how big teams have shaped modern science, and mindfulness to enhance resilience. Adding to these, with partners, academics will invite visitors to explore the exciting world of game-based learning and step back in time and experience Chester’s Virtual Reality Roman amphitheatre.

The University will also host a Family Fun Day at Exton Park on Saturday July 5, with the invite to have a go at designing a video game, learn how to attract bees to the garden, join a scavenger hunt, and lots more.

City festival partners bring more to the mix with opportunities such as learning what it takes to be a wildlife champion with Chester Zoo and stepping behind the scenes at the Grosvenor Museum.

Schools will host events around the theme of ‘Our Future in Our Hands’ including Lymm High School presenting Dreams of a Generation - a thrilling drama, dance and singing performance.

Katherine Wilson, Director of Chester Festival of Ideas and Professor of Later Medieval European History at the University of Chester, said: “The wait is almost over to the Festival of Ideas. We hope people really enjoy this opportunity to join together, and hear and share learning and ideas. It’s open to all, with a diverse, inclusive and accessible near-to 100 free events and activities to discover.

“There will be speakers, discussion panels, theatre, pop-up exhibitions, interactive events, music, readings, stories, guided walks and much more, on subjects from art and medicine to food and science.

“Time is still left to book places but the festival’s in sight so don’t miss your chance to be part of a captivating, fun and insightful four days celebrating knowledge, inspiration and the creativity on our doorstep and beyond. We look forward to welcoming everyone and shining a light on our wonderful city.”

To find out more about the festival, search events by date and theme, and book free places, please visit: www.festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk. While all events are free to attend and walk-ins are welcome, organisers encourage attendees to book in advance (other than for drop-in activities) to secure their spot. 

ENDS

Images within article, from top:

• Hannah Cockroft OBE.
• Kate Adie CBE.
• Chester Zoo will feature in the festival.