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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:20260704T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
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:20260704T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T140000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T143907Z
UID:10000679-1783168200-1783173600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Afternoon tea: art\, health\, science and environment
DESCRIPTION:In this packed workshop\, get your hands on wonderfully decorated Victorian and modern teacups and saucers\, design and make your own\, taste hot world teas while learning about the health benefits of tea drinking\, learn about the environmental footprint of tea today – cultivation and processing to packaging and transport\, looking at the sustainability of loose-leaf tea versus tea bags. Step into and influence the global historic and contemporary world of tea.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/afternoon-tea-art-health-science-and-environment/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Bar\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event,Workshop
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:20260525T204230
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:20260525T204230
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:20260704T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T143000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152303Z
UID:10000680-1783171800-1783175400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Through the looking glass: Postcards to my younger and older self- exploring the psychology of ageing
DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered what you would have said to yourself when you were younger\, or what you would tell your older self? Opening with an exhibition of postcards written by students at the University of Chester to their older self and members of Chester U3A to their younger self\, we will explore messages and their meanings\, applying psychological principles to discuss aging and its representation. Come along to find out what the key messages in the postcards are and what psychology has to say about them.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/through-the-looking-glass-postcards-to-my-younger-and-older-self-exploring-the-psychology-of-ageing/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
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:20260704T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T150000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260107T070044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T144731Z
UID:10000636-1783173600-1783177200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Mya-Rose Craig: In Conversation
DESCRIPTION: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. \nReflecting 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. \n 
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/7304/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:In Conversation Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T150000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
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:20260704T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T153000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T131454Z
UID:10000744-1783173600-1783179000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Ship that Chester Built: Exploring Chester’s links with slavery
DESCRIPTION:In 1750\, the St George was built in Chester’s shipyard. In three separate voyages\, she carried a total of 662 enslaved people from Bonny on the coast of West Africa to plantations in the Caribbean. Join the project team for an interactive walking tour of some of the key sites in Chester connected with the history of transatlantic slavery. We’ll explore vanished shipyards\, sugar refineries\, shops and workshops. And we’ll see where some of the people who invested in such slave voyages lived. \nThis walk starts at 30 St Werburgh Street (part of the Cathedral complex) and ends in the Cathedral itself. Please access 30 St Werburgh Street using the entrance on Werburgh Street\, which was previously the customer entrance to Barclays Bank. \nYou will be visiting a historic site/area – please mind your step. The walk will run come rain or shine\, do come prepared.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-ship-that-chester-built-exploring-chesters-links-with-slavery/
LOCATION:Chester Cathedral\, St Werburgh Street\, Chester\, CH1 2DY\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/95.-Ship-that-Chester-built.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T153000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T144922Z
UID:10000722-1783175400-1783179000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Sutures- A film made to highlight the perils of working in the NHS
DESCRIPTION:Sutures is a short film made in the skills unit at the University of Chester that has won awards at several film festivals both locally and internationally. It is used as an educational tool for student nurses to educate\, enlighten and entertain. The film highlights the issues facing a group of nurses and patients in the modern NHS.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/sutures-a-film-made-to-highlight-the-perils-of-working-in-the-nhs/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/80.-Sutures-scaled-e1777391072680.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145000Z
UID:10000675-1783175400-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Nature at Night: Interactive Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:This event is part of our Nature Heroes Family Fun afternoon – no need to book in advance. \nJoin the Nature at Night project team to find out how bat-walks\, zine-making and digital citizen science are being used to understand young people’s feelings about exploring nature at night. Contribute to our research by sharing some reflections of your own.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/nature-at-night-interactive-exhibition/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Drop In Event,Staffed Table / Event / Exhibit
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/72.-Nature-at-Night.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145026Z
UID:10000745-1783175400-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Mini Scientist
DESCRIPTION:This event is part of our Nature Heroes Family Fun afternoon – no need to book in advance. \nA hands-on experience where our young scientists (and their parents!) can explore the biomolecular world by extracting DNA from delicious fruits using household items. Laboratory coats will be provided to set the scene for what will be an exciting experiment with University of Chester scientists on-hand to answer any questions. DNA is ubiquitous to all lifeforms and is known as ‘the molecule of life’\, which we shall explore in this interactive session.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/mini-scientist/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
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:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145106Z
UID:10000681-1783175400-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Practical Basic Life Support Skills for Everyone
DESCRIPTION:A short session to:-\n. recognise when someone needs medical help\n. learn the best way to get help quickly\n. learn how to perform BASIC life support until help arrives \nPlease note that this is a drop-in session; no need to book.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/practical-basic-life-support-skills-for-everyone/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Drop In Event,Interactive / Creative Event
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:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145121Z
UID:10000740-1783175400-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Wildlife Quest with Chester Zoo
DESCRIPTION:This event is part of our Nature Heroes Family Fun afternoon – no need to book in advance. \nDrop in to play a game with Chester Zoo’s Youth Board and Youth Network – discover actions that you can take to help wildlife and take on a wildlife challenge!
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/wildlife-quest-with-chester-zoo/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Drop In Event,Interactive / Creative Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_1654-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145137Z
UID:10000705-1783175400-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Owl pellet dissection
DESCRIPTION:This event is part of our Nature Heroes Family Fun afternoon – no need to book in advance. \nOwls are beautiful\, deadly and difficult to study. One non-disruptive way to learn about their habits and diets is to examine owl pellets- the leftovers of their meals. Join us to try your hand at dissecting owl pellets and exploring what our hooting friends get up to when they are heard\, but not seen.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/owl-pellet-dissection/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Drop In Event,Staffed Table / Event / Exhibit
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:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145154Z
UID:10000704-1783175400-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Pop-Up Repair Café: Repair\, Reuse and Reconnect
DESCRIPTION:This event is part of our Nature Heroes Family Fun afternoon – no need to book in advance. \nDrop in to a pop-up Repair Café and see community repair in action. Local volunteers will help repair everyday household items while sharing simple skills you can use at home. Alongside the practical fixing\, we’ll explore how repair café reduce waste\, cut carbon emissions and build stronger communities. Come along to watch\, learn\, ask questions and discover how ‘repair over disposal’ can support a greener\, fairer future for all communities.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/pop-up-repair-cafe-repair-reuse-and-reconnect/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Drop In Event,Staffed Table / Event / Exhibit
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:20260704T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T160000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145226Z
UID:10000676-1783177200-1783180800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Picturing the Animal-Human Bond
DESCRIPTION:This interactive workshop will introduce some of the research surrounding the bond that humans have with animals as well as the role of drawing in communication\, expression and artistic production. We invite everyone to share their experiences with animals they are close to\, whether this is pets or other animals. Supplementing descriptions and conversations with words\, we encourage participants to have a go at depicting these important relationships in pictures through a ‘draw and tell’ approach
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/picturing-the-animal-human-bond/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/54.-Picturing-the-animal-human-bond.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260121T182350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145504Z
UID:10000652-1783180800-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Dame Jenny Harries: In Conversation
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\n\nJenny 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.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/dame-jenny-harries-in-conversation/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:In Conversation Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jenny-Harries-Chancellor-7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
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:20260704T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T080848Z
UID:10000654-1783180800-1783184400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:You can write a song! 10 ways to get started.
DESCRIPTION:“I wish I could write a song\, but I don’t know where to start…” \nThis is a super practical workshop to remove the fear of the blank page and give you tools to start writing your own songs. \nWe’ll look specifically at lyric-writing. No instrument needed! \nAdam Kirkup is a Chester-based songwriter\, musician and coach. He’s performed with New York alt-folk luminary Kimya Dawson\, toured with a WWE wrestling champion and attended the respected Chris Difford songwriting retreat. \nadamkirkup.com\ninstagram.com/adamkirkup
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/you-can-write-a-song-10-ways-to-get-started/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Theatre\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/18.-You-can-write-a-song.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T163000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T173000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145713Z
UID:10000733-1783182600-1783186200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Building Tomorrow's Workforce: Skills\, Apprenticeships & Regional Priorities
DESCRIPTION:A panel of apprentices\, employers\, Chamber of Commerce\, LSIP & DWP discussing what are the skills needed now and for the next 3 – 5 years in the region\, highlighting apprenticeships benefits for the apprentice & employers.\nThe panel will discuss topics such as:\n• What are the skills that you are looking for when hiring an employee?\n• What government projects are helping the youth and those unemployed get the skills needed for the job vacancies advertised?\n• What is available for people who wish to upskill?\n• Why did you choose an apprenticeship route\, & what do you plan to do next in your career? \nTo find out more about University of Chester degree apprenticeships: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/degree-apprenticeships/\nTo find out more about the Chamber of Commerce: West Cheshire & North Wales: https://wcnwchamber.org.uk/
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/building-tomorrows-workforce-skills-apprenticeships-regional-priorities/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Discussion Panel
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:20260705T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T160000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145728Z
UID:10000738-1783245600-1783267200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Retracing Footsteps: The Past\, Present and Future of Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon
DESCRIPTION: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. Contemporary photographs are juxtaposed with extracts from the 19th-century Snowdon summit hotels’ visitor books. The exhibition is part of an ongoing\, interdisciplinary project at the University of Chester\, in collaboration with Bangor University and Eryri National Park Authority.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/retracing-footsteps-the-past-present-and-future-of-yr-wyddfa-snowdon-4/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Victoria-Hotel-Visitors-Book-4151_0089-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T160000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145741Z
UID:10000720-1783245600-1783267200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Peaces We Keep\, Make\, Transform
DESCRIPTION: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. Promises in the box are later transferred to the chair\, allowing it to hold community voices. On the final day\, staff and dance students from the University of Chester will present a live performance responding to the chair and its collected promises.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-peaces-we-keep-make-transform-5/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/105.-Peaces-We-Keep-Installation.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
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:20260525T204230
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:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T145942Z
UID:10000692-1783249200-1783252800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Peaces We Keep\, Make\, Transform
DESCRIPTION:A celebratory performance in response to the participatory artwork that will be in the Town Hall foyer over the four days of the Festival (see details below). 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. \nThe artwork will have invited visitors to sit\, pause\, and write a promise of peace for themselves\, someone they love\, or the wider world. Visitors are welcome to keep that promise\, dissolve it in water\, or place it in a box. Promises in the box are later transferred to the chair\, allowing it to hold community voices.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-peaces-we-keep-make-transform/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/62.-Peaces-We-Keep.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T150011Z
UID:10000682-1783249200-1783252800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Mindfulness and self-compassion in an uncertain world:  A 60-minute experiential session for the Festival of Ideas
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/mindfulness-and-self-compassion-in-an-uncertain-world-a-60-minute-experiential-session-for-the-festival-of-ideas/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/79.-Mindfulness-and-self-compassion.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T123000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T150030Z
UID:10000706-1783249200-1783254600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Sustainability Walk - Biodiversity
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis walk focuses on the Sustainability aspect of ‘Biodiversity’ visiting various sites in and around Chester City Centre to illustrate live examples of what are demonstrations of active work supporting enhancement of biodiversity.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/sustainability-walk-biodiversity/
LOCATION:Outside Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street Chester\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Walk
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:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T123000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T150049Z
UID:10000734-1783249200-1783254600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Archaeological Finds in the Market
DESCRIPTION: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. All ages welcome.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/archaeological-finds-in-the-market/
LOCATION:Chester Market\, Exchange Square\, Chester\, Cheshire\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
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:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T160000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
CREATED:20260518T080042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T105348Z
UID:10000749-1783249200-1783267200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Talking Tours: Let’s Talk History
DESCRIPTION: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. From the football field to the polo field. George Best and his team cheating their way to victory against Chester FC to street-side boxing matches to win £5. Follow the trail map and scan the free QR code on the Let’s Talk\, History posters at each location to hear the stories of our sporting stars from yesteryear. The ball’s in your court! \nPick up your trail map from the info point in Chester Town Hall to get started!
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/talking-tours-lets-talk-history-4/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Walk
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:20260705T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T123000
DTSTAMP:20260525T204230
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
END:VCALENDAR