Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon is Wales's most iconic mountain, hosting 650,000 visitors each year. This exhibition takes us on a journey that considers the past, present, and sustainable future of the mountain.
This is a participatory art work inviting visitors to sit, pause, and write a promise of peace for themselves, someone they love, or the wider world. You may keep it, dissolve it in water, or place it in a box.
Join us to explore why the Cheshire longbowmen were regarded as some of the finest archers in history. Discover what made the longbow such a powerful weapon, how their skill shaped events like the rebellion of Hotspur, and why this formidable force is no longer part of Chester's story. Uncover the rise, impact and legacy of these remarkable medieval warriors.
Leprosy and smallpox are two of the world’s oldest and most stigmatising illnesses. Both conditions bring shame from the fear of contagious disease and disfigured bodies and Chester’s history offers an authentic approach to their identification and treatment. From the founding of St Giles’s Leprosy Hospital in the early twelfth century, to the formation of the Smallpox Society of Chester in 1778, find out how the city's inhabitants managed the challenges of these devastating diseases.
A celebratory performance in response to the participatory artwork that will be in the Town Hall foyer over the four days of the Festival. In this event, staff and dance students from the University of Chester will present a live performance responding to the chair and its collected promises.
Join this session for a gentle, practical introduction to mindfulness and self-compassion in uncertain times. Through simple guided exercises, reflection and discussion, you'll explore how to steady your mind and respond to challenges with greater kindness. No experience needed, just curiosity and an openness to pause, breathe and reconnect.
This led walk, which is also "wheels accessible", is one of four themed routes staged as part of the 2026 "Festival of ideas" that uses examples from the existing cityscape to demonstrate various aspects of the overall theme of Sustainability.
Archaeologists from the Grosvenor Museum will be in Chester Market on Sunday morning with some of the finds from excavations in the city centre. Come and see in close-up objects used and worn by people living and working in Chester from 2000 to 300 years ago. A great opportunity to ask questions and find out more about some of the fascinating finds from the museum’s archaeological collections.
Lace up your plimsoles and sprint through the last century of Cheshire’s sporting past with Let’s Talk, History. Using historic sound recordings from Cheshire Archives’ collections, this free audio trail tells 100 years of stories about the county’s competitive, recreational and, at times, amusing sports.
This session explores research into how sharing lived experiences can enhance inclusivity and a sense of belonging for students.
What happens if items from an historic museum collection are brought together with everyday goods and services available nearby? International artists’ team Grennan & Sperandio decided to find out – in Chester!
This talk will discuss the background to the enormous expansion of munitions' factories and production in Britain, as a result of the 'Shells Scandal' of 1915, including within the local area around Chester.
Join Dr Lucy Andrew, former Senior Literature in English Literature at the University of Chester, as she introduces her debut novel, A Very Vexing Murder, a cosy crime retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, and discusses her path to becoming a published author.
Join us for an in‑conversation event with David Baddiel—award‑winning comedian, bestselling author, and acclaimed cultural commentator. Renowned for his intelligence, originality, and distinctive humour, Baddiel has shaped British comedy and public debate through his work across stand‑up, television, radio, and writing.
Please join me so that we can collectively make a Murder (flock) of Crows, they are intelligent, have their own language and can communicate information, are a translucent multi color, not black as they seem.
How NOT to Flee a War is a first-hand talk by Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko, co-presented with her partner Jez Myers, telling the story of their attempt to escape Kyiv as Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022.
Join us for a nature-themed tea gathering exploring global conservation, sustainability, and our relationship with the planet.
Ever wondered how athletes fuel their endurance engines? This session will explore how 'the plate' of an endurance athlete can influence their performance.
The Merlin's Isle epic ballad series is acclaimed poet Malcolm Guite's masterwork, a lifetime in the making. Malcolm Guite is the former Chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge. A performance poet and singer/songwriter, he lectures widely on poetry and theology in Britain and the US. His latest book blends myth, theology, and lyrical mastery. Guite re-enchants the legend of King Arthur for a new generation, restoring its original power and mystery in this sweeping four-volume series.
Nourish to Flourish is a school-based project led by Kate and Ellie, helping children feel confident about healthy eating through creativity. Supported by the Bluecoat Charity, the Westminster Foundation and Crossing Borders, with evaluation support from RECAP (University of Chester). This year children explored artists from around the world and created artwork using food as material. The event includes a photo exhibition and a family workshop.
Discover the untold stories of Strabane, one of the forgotten frontlines of the Northern Ireland Troubles. This talk explores the lived experiences of those who grew up or took part in the conflict, showing how their memories, identities, and communities have shaped life in a post-conflict society.