In Conversation with Lucy Andrew, author of A Very Vexing Murder
2026-07-05 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | Chester Picturehouse, Unit 10 Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR, United Kingdom
Join Dr Lucy Andrew, former Senior Lecturer 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.

David Baddiel: In Conversation
2026-07-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Chester Town Hall, 33 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ
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. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear him in conversation as he shares sharp observations and thoughtful perspectives from a remarkable and wide‑ranging career. David will be in conversation with Dr Hannah Ewence, historian and Head of Humanities, Cultures and Environments at the University of Chester.

Murder (flock) of Crows Eco Art Workshop
2026-07-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Chester Town Hall, 33 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ
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. We will be making and decorating from templates, using recycled materials a collection of these magical and mystical birds( as referred to in the Mabinogion: Adar Rhiannon’s magical birds)
nataliepapworth.artweb.com

'How NOT to Flee a War'
2026-07-05 13:30 - 14:30 | Chester Picturehouse, Unit 10 Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR, United Kingdom
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.
What 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.
Rather 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.
Biographies
Maria 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.
Jez 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.

Tea Party- Conversations on Nature, Conservation and Hope
2026-07-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Chester Town Hall, 33 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ
Join us for a Chaplaincy nationally and globally award-nominated tea party event exploring conservation, sustainability, and our relationship with the planet.

Through relaxed small-group discussions, creative prompts, and a calm, green-inspired setting, we’ll explore eco-anxiety, everyday climate action, and how communities can protect biodiversity. Expect thoughtful conversation, practical ideas, and space to reflect on building greener futures together.

Dress code – floral or wildlife themed outfits- completely optional, just for fun!

The science of fuelling for endurance sports: what's on the plate?
2026-07-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Chester Picturehouse, Unit 10 Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR, United Kingdom
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.

Merlin's Isle: Acclaimed poet Malcolm Guite's explores the Christian elements to the myth and why it has been eroded
2026-07-05 14:30 - 15:30 | Chester Picturehouse, Unit 10 Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR, United Kingdom
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 (Photo Exhibition and Workshop)
2026-07-05 14:30 - 16:30 | Storyhouse Garret Bar, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR
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.

Interviewing the IRA: Criminological Approaches to Research in Post-Conflict Zones
2026-07-05 15:00 - 16:00 | Chester Picturehouse, Unit 10 Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR, United Kingdom
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.

The talk will engage with themes related to political violence, conflict, and lived experiences of the Northern Ireland Troubles. While the session will be handled sensitively and will not include graphic detail, some audience members may find the topics emotionally challenging
