High-profile figures share excitement ahead of starring roles at Chester Festival of Ideas

The free festival, organised by the University of Chester and partners, is almost in sight, taking place from Thursday July 3 to Sunday July 6.

Among its almost 100 celebratory, informative and inspiring free events being held at venues across the city, the festival features talks and discussions from:

• One of Great Britain’s most successful Paralympians, Hannah Cockroft OBE
• NHS GP, best-selling author and broadcaster - as well as ambassador for The National Wildlife Trust and The Butterfly Conservation Society, Dr Amir Khan
• Former chief news correspondent for the BBC, Kate Adie CBE
• Survivor, global advocate and keynote speaker on human trafficking, Jane Lasonder
• Writer and broadcaster, Natalie Haynes.

Hannah Cockroft OBE, holder of nine Paralympic gold medals, said: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Chester Festival of Ideas. As a local resident, having moved to Cheshire in 2019, I’m excited to share my story and hopefully get people thinking outside the box on disability and inclusion, as well as encourage them to chase their dreams.”

Hannah will be in conversation with Associate Professor Kirstie Simpson, Dean of Chester Business School, on July 4, offering insights into her career, the barriers she has overcome, and her thoughts on ways to maintain success.

Dr Amir Khan added: “I can’t wait to be back in Chester for the Festival of Ideas and talking about all the things I’m passionate about, from health to the environment, and I hope to make everyone think and laugh. Chester holds a special place in my heart as I attended the Countess of Chester Hospital for my final placement at medical school - I have memories of talking to patients, practicing examining them and getting ready for my final exams! It’ll be good to be back without the fear of failing an exam - see you all soon.”

Amir will discuss ‘The Natural Health Service: Reclaiming Wellness in a Modern World’ on July 5.

The festival is returning after its inaugural success in 2024, offering a great choice for anyone looking for free activities this July. In addition to the chance to hear from well-known guest speakers, it offers a breadth of opportunities from art workshops to music performances and guided walks.

Academics from the University will share their insights on topical subjects and invite people to get involved in activities including:

• Delving into the psychology of TV’s The Traitors and progress on health inequalities
• Exploring the newly created Historic Towns Trust Chester Map charting the changes to the city over the centuries – and highlighting its position as the lost capital of Britain
• Walking the walls of Chester’s Civil War Siege
• Discovering the exciting world of game-based learning
• Standing in the footprints of gladiators with a Chester Virtual Reality Roman amphitheatre

The University will also host a Family Fun Day at Exton Park.

City festival partners bring more to the mix with sessions such as:

• Learning what it takes to be a wildlife champion with Chester Zoo
• Stepping behind the scenes at the Grosvenor Museum
• Sharing ideas to clean up the River Dee
• Schools hosting events on ‘Our Future in Our Hands’.

This year some events offer British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, including the events with Dr Amir Khan and Jane Lasonder. Some drop-in events also offer a sensory-friendly hour - these options can be filtered using the tags on the website.  The team can also provide sensory backpacks for anyone who needs one which can be borrowed from the festival information desk at Chester Town Hall.

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.