Gary Younge: In Conversation
2026-07-03 19:30 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | University of Chester Exton Park Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
Join us for an illuminating conversation with Gary Younge, award-winning author, broadcaster, and Professor of Sociology at the University of Manchester. A former editor-at-large at The Guardian, Younge brings decades of journalistic insight and academic rigor to discussions on race, identity, and resistance. His latest book, Pigeonholed: Creative Freedom as an Act of Resistance, explores the power of storytelling in challenging societal constraints. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most compelling voices in contemporary journalism and social thought.
Gary will be in conversation with Professor Tim Grady, Director of the Culture and Society Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute at the University of Chester, which brings together 200 researchers with an interest in exploring and challenging the influences that have shaped, and continue to shape, our culture and society. Tim is an international scholar of twentieth century British and German history and is keen to explore through this discussion the role of the media in modern democracies and, crucially, how we can engage young people in democratic politics in such tumultuous times.

Chaos of Roman Britain with Greg Jenner
2026-07-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Chester Town Hall, Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HJ
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.

Mya-Rose Craig: In Conversation
2026-07-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Chester Picturehouse, Unit 10 Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR, United Kingdom
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr Mya-Rose Craig, a remarkable environmentalist whose journey began as a young birdwatcher and led to the founding of Black2Nature – a movement championing ethnic diversity in nature conservation and the environment. Mya-Rose will share how focus, motivation, and commitment can turn passion into meaningful action. Don’t miss this chance for an optimistic look at how we can better engage young people, particularly, in care for nature.
Reflecting the University of Chester’s commitment to dialogue and partnership with young people to address social and environmental issues, Mya-Rose will be in conversation with Dr Rebecca Collins. Rebecca is the Director of the University’s Sustainability and Environment Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute (SERKEI), which brings together over 150 researchers with expertise relevant to sustainability and the future of our environments. She also leads the university’s work to embed learning for sustainability across undergraduate curricula. She is particularly passionate about how we can best engage young people in how to care for nature, in the face of so much anxiety about the future.

Dame Jenny Harries: In Conversation
2026-07-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Chester Picturehouse, Unit 10 Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR, United Kingdom
Join Dame Jenny Harries for an in-conversation event exploring a life in public service. From frontline medicine to national leadership, Jenny will reflect on pivotal moments and challenges in her career, offering candid insights into resilience, decision-making, and purpose across an extraordinary career dedicated to public health and leadership.

Jenny will be in conversation with Dr Kirstie Simpson, acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise at the University of Chester. A champion of women’s leadership, Kirstie is committed to inspiring inclusive leadership at all levels of the organisations with which she works, and was selected as one of the North West Business Leadership Team’s ‘Rising Stars’ – a network of female business leaders.
