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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Festival of Ideas
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T163000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171416
CREATED:20260107T070004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T140945Z
UID:10000646-1783006200-1783009800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:What Am I Looking At? Following Chester’s Buildings Through Time
DESCRIPTION:Chester is filled with beautiful and distinctive buildings\, but in a place where people have lived for more than two thousand years\,  things are rarely as they seem. Combining an introduction to European architectural styles with a more detailed look at some of Chester’s most interesting architecture\, this illustrated talk will explore the ways in which buildings survive and change through the centuries\, and what they can tell us about their makers.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/what-am-i-looking-at-understanding-chesters-rich-architectural-history/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Chantal-Bradburn-FoIArchitectureImage26.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T170000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171416
CREATED:20260518T080029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T075828Z
UID:10000660-1783008000-1783011600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Hidden Histories Beneath Our Feet: How Digital Tools Reveal Local Stories
DESCRIPTION:Discover how digital tools such as drones\, 3D scanning\, mapping\, and creative storytelling are helping uncover hidden histories in our towns and landscapes. Through visual examples from local heritage sites\, including castles and community spaces\, this session explores how technology can reconnect people with the stories beneath their feet\, and inspire new ways of seeing familiar places. \nhttps://www.avimmerse.com/ \nhttps://warringtoncastle.co.uk/
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/hidden-histories-beneath-our-feet-how-digital-tools-reveal-local-stories/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/50.-Hidden-Histories-Beneath-our-feet.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T183000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171416
CREATED:20260518T080011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T155239Z
UID:10000724-1783013400-1783017000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Can You Spot the Traitor? The Psychology Behind The Traitors
DESCRIPTION:Missing The Traitors now the series has finished? Join this interactive session exploring the psychology behind the show. Why do the Faithful struggle to identify the Traitors\, and why are humans so poor at spotting lies? Drawing on insights from our Psychology of the Traitors podcast\, we’ll explore deception\, trust\, groupthink and social influence. Along the way\, you’ll analyse real moments from the show and test whether you can spot the traitor.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/can-you-spot-the-traitor-the-psychology-behind-the-traitors/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T113000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171416
CREATED:20260518T080036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T151554Z
UID:10000666-1783074600-1783078200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Rows of Chester: A Unique Creation or a Unique Survival?
DESCRIPTION:The uniqueness of Chester’s Rows lies first in the imaginative adaptation of a common medieval building form to the city’s hilly site. However\, they would not have seemed so unusual had comparable buildings elsewhere survived better. The talk will look at parallels for the building type\, how it was adapted to the landscape\, and the historical circumstances that prompted it.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-rows-of-chester-a-unique-creation-or-a-unique-survival/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/66.-The-Rows-of-Chester.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T123000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171416
CREATED:20260518T080030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T140755Z
UID:10000669-1783078200-1783081800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting early diagnosis of cancer  through Community Partnerships
DESCRIPTION:Thriving people and Communities – NHS and voluntary sector working together to raise awareness of cancer symptoms and screening. \nCancer rates and deaths in Cheshire are higher than the England average and the incidence of this disease is rising. If it is diagnosed early\, then survival is better for those who experience it. To support this\, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance\, an NHS organisation\, launched a Community Partnership programme with the Council for Voluntary Sector Partners to support community‑led cancer awareness. This work has reached 48\,000 people to date\, mainly in the most deprived areas. Come and hear about how this has been developed\, what the Alliance have achieved and what you could do to reduce your risk of cancer.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/supporting-early-diagnosis-of-cancer-through-community-partnerships/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/98.-Supporting-early-diagnosis.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T130000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171416
CREATED:20260518T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T151622Z
UID:10000670-1783080000-1783083600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:What have doctoral researchers in health and social care ever done for you?
DESCRIPTION:Our doctoral researchers in health and social care grapple with real-world problems that have an impact on people’s lives. From searching the literature to find out what we know and don’t know\, to exploring what happens in the real world and identifying how we can change the way we do things\, they work hard to have a positive impact on the services that you use. Some of our students will present their work to show how it can improve people’s lives.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/what-have-doctoral-researchers-in-health-and-social-care-ever-done-for-you/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T133000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T110512Z
UID:10000702-1783081800-1783085400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:In a World of AI\, Your Greatest Advantage is How You Relate
DESCRIPTION:AI can write your emails. Generate your leads. Build your systems. Draft your strategy. Build your business. \nThe one thing AI cannot do? Build a real relationship. \nWe need to stay present when things get hard. Navigate difference. Repair trust when it breaks. These are the key skills of the next decade. Because most challenges are relational\, not transactional. \nTEDx speaker\, author and relationship psychotherapist Kerry-Lyn Stanton-Downes has worked with over 2\,000 individuals and teams across 17 countries. In this talk she shares why the ability to regulate\, relate\, reconnect is your greatest competitive advantage and offers practical ways to start building relational capacity right now. Because the future is not about what you know. It is about how you relate.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/in-a-world-of-ai-your-greatest-advantage-is-how-you-relate/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T143000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T141213Z
UID:10000727-1783085400-1783089000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Broader Autism Phenotype: Subtle Traits and Their Impact on Everyday Life
DESCRIPTION:This session explores how understanding the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP) can help support diverse learning and communication styles. BAP includes common traits such as valuing structure\, noticing detail\, or communicating very directly\, often seen in people without an autism diagnosis. Through accessible science and real life examples\, the session shows how these differences shape learning\, interaction\, and engagement. Attendees will gain practical insights into creating more inclusive\, supportive environments that recognise and respond to varied ways of thinking and learning.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-broader-autism-phenotype-subtle-traits-and-their-impact-on-everyday-life/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T160000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T151811Z
UID:10000728-1783090800-1783094400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Randolph Caldecott: Illustrating Victorian Life
DESCRIPTION:Join one of West Cheshire Museums’ curators to learn more about this Chester-born artist. Best known as an illustrator of children’s books\, Caldecott was a wide-ranging\, varied artist\, admired by Gauguin and Van Gogh. He illustrated novels and travel books\, drew cartoons and caricatures\, and exhibited sculpture\, paintings and drawings. This talk will look at his life and work\, asking whether the apparent nostalgia in his work was an escape from an increasingly industrialised world.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/randolph-caldecott-illustrating-victorian-life/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T160000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260519T104918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T104918Z
UID:10000752-1783090800-1783094400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Body Speaking: Functional Seizures and The Place of Trauma
DESCRIPTION:Join Professor Paul Bissell\, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Chester\, and Dr Marian Peacock\, Honorary Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research to learn more about this fascinating\, and often ignored\, topic.  Paul and Marian will argue that the medical gaze continues to overlook the profound roles of gender\, class\, trauma and suffering in shaping the experiences of individuals with diagnoses of functional seizures. 
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-body-speaking-functional-seizures-and-the-place-of-trauma/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T163000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T080523Z
UID:10000667-1783092600-1783096200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Screening Siblings: Brothers and Sisters on Film
DESCRIPTION:What can brothers and sisters on film tell us about the state of a nation? In the 21st century\, siblings are everywhere on screen\, from superhero blockbusters to horror films\, teen movies and slice-of-life dramas. Dr Katie Barnett\, senior lecturer in Film Studies and the author of Screening Siblings in Contemporary American Film (Bloomsbury\, July 2026)\, explores what this shift towards horizontal relationships on screen reveals about power\, politics\, and changing ideas of family. \nsibstack.substack.com
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/screening-siblings-brothers-and-sisters-on-film/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/49.-Screening-Siblings.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T163000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T173000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T082705Z
UID:10000668-1783096200-1783099800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The University of Chester in 15 Objects
DESCRIPTION:This event will showcase the history of the University from its opening in 1839 to the present day. We will present fifteen objects from across the decades and discuss how each of them relates to an important event in the university’s history.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-university-of-chester-in-10-objects/
LOCATION:Senate House\, Exton Park Campus\, University of Chester\, Parkgate Road\, Chester\, CH1 4BJ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/22.-The-University-of-Chester-in-10-Objects-rotated.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T180000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T145048Z
UID:10000729-1783098000-1783101600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Queering Britain:  Keeping LGBTQ Stories Alive
DESCRIPTION:This research began in Blackpool\, exploring its rich drag scene and LGBTQ+ histories. It has since grown into a wider project gathering stories from towns and cities across the UK. Through voices that connect generations and place\, Helen is starting to explore how identity is shaped by place and heritage. Reflecting on the legacy of Section 28\, preserving and sharing these stories publicly matters now more than ever. This talk will focus on stories from the seaside town of Blackpool.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/queering-britain-keeping-lgbtq-stories-alive/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/39-Queering-Britian.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T123000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T143155Z
UID:10000673-1783164600-1783168200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Climate catastrophe - where are we heading?
DESCRIPTION:Does it feel like you are seeing more extreme weather? The science suggests we might be heading for a 3 degree world\, but action globally doesn’t suggest people are concerned.\nSo what is the truth? Join me as I explore the different pathways we could follow over this century depending on whether we act now or delay action to mitigate climate change.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/climate-catastrophe-where-are-we-heading/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Theatre\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/29.-Climate-catastrophe.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260107T070002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T143420Z
UID:10000641-1783166400-1783170000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Chaos of Roman Britain with Greg Jenner
DESCRIPTION:Come and join us for a family friendly event with Greg Jenner exploring how\, why\, and when the Romans first invaded. Greg is a public historian\, author\, and broadcaster best known as the historical consultant of the award-winning TV series Horrible Histories. Blending humour with fascinating facts\, he brings the past to life for audiences of all ages. Beyond television\, Greg hosts the popular podcast You’re Dead To Me and writes bestselling books including Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy that make history as entertaining as it is educational.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/chaos-of-roman-britain-with-greg-jenner/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_0023.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152135Z
UID:10000678-1783166400-1783170000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Making Academic Literature Accessible Through Comics
DESCRIPTION:The session is built around Captain Knowledge and Graphic Leadership\, projects that were undertaken to make academic literature/theory/research more accessible. Captain Knowledge explores the lived experiences of teachers in a UK sixth-form college\, and presents the findings in comic format to engage the wider population and those outside of academia. Whereas Graphic Leadership focuses on using comic literature to teach leadership theory to students at varying levels. The talk covers the research that informed both projects and the specific production process\, before presenting for the first time the semi-animated version of the Captain Knowledge comic.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/making-academic-literature-accessible-through-comics/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152116Z
UID:10000730-1783166400-1783170000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Future of Museums
DESCRIPTION:Join curators at the Grosvenor Museum for a talk exploring the future of our museums. How might they look 50\, 100 years from now? What might we collect\, and which stories might we tell? How might the role of museums need to evolve as society and our audiences change?\nLearn about the challenges that our museums face in the present\, and be part of the conversations that shape our future.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-future-of-museums/
LOCATION:Grosvenor Museum\, Chester\, 27 Grosvenor Street\, Chester\, CH1 2DD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T140000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T080737Z
UID:10000732-1783170000-1783173600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Tapping into calm with EFT: A practical technique for daily life
DESCRIPTION:Discover ‘Tapping’ (Emotional Freedom Techniques)\, a gentle and effective way to quieten a busy mind and relax your body in minutes.\nThis friendly\, informal and practical workshop teaches you how to tap on specific points to release tension and feel more grounded.\nNo special equipment or experience is needed – just a curious mind.\nYou’ll leave with a practical “calm kit” you can use anywhere\, helping you handle life’s ups and downs with more ease\, confidence\, and peace of mind. \nwww.tapintotransformation.co.uk\nhttps://www.instagram.com/tap_into_transformation
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/tapping-into-calm-with-eft-a-practical-technique-for-daily-life/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T140000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T144045Z
UID:10000731-1783170000-1783173600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Improving biodiversity in your space - A Network for Nature with Chester Zoo
DESCRIPTION:Join Chester Zoo to discover how communities across Cheshire West are connecting habitats\, monitoring wildlife\, and transforming local spaces through the Networks for Nature initiative. This session reveals inspiring progress\, showcases easy tools anyone can use\, and invites attendees to see how small collective actions can support ecosystems and boost biodiversity. \nhttps://www.chesterzoo.org/conservation-science-education/global-conservation-programmes/conservation-campaigns/networks-for-nature
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/improving-biodiversity-in-your-space-a-network-for-nature/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NFN-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T150000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T153152Z
UID:10000674-1783173600-1783177200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Rome's Cutting Edge: The Auxiliaries
DESCRIPTION:Discover Rome’s cutting edge: The Auxiliary Soldiers. Recruited from across the empire\, these specialist troops helped the Roman army conquer new lands and face unfamiliar enemies. Often dismissed as second-class legionaries\, they were in fact essential to Rome’s success. Join us as we uncover who they were\, what they did\, and why their story matters.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/romes-cutting-edge-the-auxiliaries/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Theatre\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/26.-Romans-Cutting-Edge.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145527Z
UID:10000695-1783180800-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Historic Shot Tower: A symbol of creative ideas in the industry of Chester.
DESCRIPTION:Little is known of Chester’s industries\, yet Chester was the base for companies with an international reach. Our iconic shot tower is one of the earliest and surviving part of the leadworks\, the city’s largest lead manufactory. It is appropriate therefore that the presentation should begin with its huge presence. Nearby industries will also be looked at in addition to other significant ones in the City.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-historic-shot-tower-a-symbol-of-creative-ideas-in-the-industry-of-chester/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/77.-The-Historic-Shot-Tower.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145806Z
UID:10000683-1783249200-1783252800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Cheshire Longbowmen: England's Elite Archers
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-cheshire-longbowmen-englands-elite-archers/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/25.-The-Cheshire-Longbowmen-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T153302Z
UID:10000696-1783249200-1783252800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Leprosy and Smallpox: how our Chester ancestors experienced the devastation of these ancient diseases
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/leprosy-and-smallpox-how-our-chester-ancestors-experienced-the-devastation-of-these-ancient-diseases/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Theatre\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86.-Leprosy-and-Smallpox.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T123000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T150115Z
UID:10000684-1783251000-1783254600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Enhancing Inclusivity and Sense of Belonging in Higher Education
DESCRIPTION:This session explores research into how sharing lived experiences can enhance inclusivity and a sense of belonging for students. Drawing on reflections from staff who identified as under represented during their studies\, it highlights key insights and successful outcomes. The audience will be invited to consider the power of sharing and listening to lived experiences as a way to expand their understanding of how to create a more inclusive\, supportive learning environment.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/enhancing-inclusivity-and-sense-of-belonging-in-higher-education/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/33.-Enhancing-Inclusivity-and-Sense-of-Belonging-in-HE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T130000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T150138Z
UID:10000685-1783252800-1783256400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Victorian Boots and Neon Lights\, or how we messed with Chester Grosvenor Museum’s historic collections
DESCRIPTION: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! In this entertaining talk\, watch as they manage to get a foot in the door and create six new sculptures. Learn the differences between collections and landfill. See how the histories of the high street connect past and present\, making places that travel through time.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/victorian-boots-and-neon-lights-or-how-we-messed-with-chester-grosvenor-museums-historic-collections/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/89.-Victorian-Boots-and-Neon-Lights.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T133000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T080941Z
UID:10000686-1783254600-1783258200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:‘It turned us yellow all over’: Health Care Provision for Munition Workers During the First World War.
DESCRIPTION: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. This necessitated the recruitment of thousands of munitions workers (many of whom were women) and they were to be exposed to a myriad of health problems because of their work. These health issues will be discussed and the health care and welfare provision made for munition workers during World War One will be outlined. The contribution that medical and nursing staff made\, in an early forerunner of what is now often referred to as occupational health\, will also be discussed. \nPicture Source: Leeds Library and Information Service.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/it-turned-us-yellow-all-over-health-care-provision-for-munition-workers-during-the-first-world-war/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Theatre\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/94.-It-turned-us-yellow-all-over-caption-required-see-spreadsheet-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T140000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152441Z
UID:10000688-1783256400-1783260000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:In Conversation with Lucy Andrew\, author of A Very Vexing Murder
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/in-conversation-with-lucy-andrew-author-of-a-very-vexing-murder/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/57.-In-conversation-with-Lucy-Andrew.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T143000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152522Z
UID:10000690-1783258200-1783261800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:'How NOT to Flee a War'
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWhat begins as a surreal morning of explosions and disbelief quickly becomes a frantic and uncertain decision: whether to stay\, where to go\, and how to leave a city rapidly emptying under threat. Built around their real journey out of Ukraine\, the talk uses personal storytelling and images from the road to show what the first days of invasion felt like from the inside.\nRather than a polished narrative of survival\, Maria and Jez describe the experience with blunt honesty and dark humour – the endless traffic\, exhaustion\, panic\, misinformation\, and the reality of borders under pressure. Through Maria’s perspective as a Ukrainian\, and Jez’s as a British partner caught inside the unfolding disaster\, the talk becomes both a gripping personal account and a wider reflection on displacement\, resilience\, and what it means to lose your home overnight. \nBiographies\nMaria Romanenko is a Ukrainian journalist and co-founder of All For Ukraine. Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Hromadske International\, one of Ukraine’s best-known news organisations\, she is the only Ukrainian recipient of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Since relocating to the UK\, Maria has focused on supporting displaced Ukrainians and raising awareness through talks\, including the widely delivered How NOT to Flee a War. She has conducted over 1\,000 mainstream media interviews since arriving in the UK and is a regular commentator across national and international channels.\nJez Myers is a community champion and CEO of All For Ukraine. A recipient of Manchester City Council’s prestigious Pride of Manchester Award\, he brings a dual background in business consultancy and civic engagement. After fleeing Ukraine with Maria\, Jez has advised local and national bodies on supporting displaced Ukrainians\, as well as assisting multiple Ukrainian charities. He is also Chairperson of the Spirit of Manchester Awards\, the largest voluntary sector awards in the North West of England.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/how-not-to-flee-a-war/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/21.-How-NOT-to-flee-a-war.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T150000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152458Z
UID:10000689-1783260000-1783263600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The science of fuelling for endurance sports: what's on the plate?
DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered how athletes fuel their endurance engines? This session will explore how ‘the plate’ of an endurance athlete can influence their performance. We will uncover the science behind nutritional strategies to enhance endurance performance\, discussing key controversies such as the carbohydrate vs. fat debate. The session will be led by Dr Ed Gray\, Lecturer in Applied Sport Physiology. Ed is currently conducting research investigating how different fuelling approaches influence exercise.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-science-of-fuelling-for-endurance-sports-whats-on-the-plate/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/32.-The-science-of-fuelling-for-endurance-sports-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T153000
DTSTAMP:20260526T171417
CREATED:20260518T080043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152542Z
UID:10000714-1783261800-1783265400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Merlin's Isle: Acclaimed poet Malcolm Guite's explores the Christian elements to the myth and why it has been eroded
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/merlins-isle-acclaimed-poet-malcolm-guites-explores-the-christian-elements-to-the-myth-and-why-it-has-been-eroded/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/36.-Merlins-Isle.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR