Step Back in Time with the first Tewkesbury History Festival

Tewkesbury has always been a place where the past feels remarkably present, but this summer, the history books are being brought to life by their authors. We are delighted to announce that Tewkesbury History Festival will play host to renowned historians, authors and tv personalities from Thursday, 18 June to Sunday, 21 June 2026. Curated by the John Moore Museum in partnership with Tewkesbury Borough Council, the festival is set to transform the town's historic streets into a vibrant hub of discovery and storytelling.

What to Expect at Tewkesbury History Festival

The festival programme spans centuries of history, from prehistoric Britain to the Tudor court, the Italian Renaissance and beyond.

Thursday 18 June: Royalty, War and Women’s Stories

The festival begins on Thursday with an exploration of royal influence and female courage. Attendees can look forward to Kate Vigurs sharing the harrowing stories of the women of the SOE during World War II, followed by acclaimed novelist Alison Weir delving into the enduring mysteries of the Tudor court. The afternoon continues with insights into prehistoric Britain from archaeologist Julian Richards and a deep dive into royal intrigue during the Wars of the Roses with Nicola Tallis. The opening day reaches a grand crescendo with renowned author Sarah Dunant, who will transport the audience to the Italian Renaissance to meet the formidable Marchesa of Mantua.
 

Friday 19 June: Homes, Empire and English History

As the weekend approaches, the focus shifts toward the physical and cultural threads that have woven our world together. Friday features television presenter Piers Taylor discussing the fascinating evolution of the English home, while Katie Hickman explores themes of Empire and R.A.J. Waddingham Viking culture. The day concludes with celebrated historian Ian Mortimer, who will present his uniquely insightful A–Z of English History.

Saturday 20 June: Mystery, Identity and Social History

Saturday keeps the momentum high with Matt Lewis tackling the legendary mystery of the Princes in the Tower and Kassia St Clair tracing the global social history of textiles. The evening draws to a close with Nathen Amin’s look at Welsh identity and headliner for Saturday is Dr Kate Lister who in her talk A Galloping Catastrophe: Sex and History will present a frank, witty, and unapologetically honest journey through the social history of the female body. This session strips away centuries of stigma and misconception to explore how society has viewed, policed, and misunderstood the female anatomy throughout the ages.

Sunday 21 June: Folklore, Queens and Witchcraft

The festival reaches its finale on Sunday with a diverse program that offers something for every generation. Children can get lost in the magic of forest folklore with Tom Phillips, while Elizabeth Norton provides a sweeping look at five millennia of female monarchy. The festival concludes with a highly anticipated appearance by renowned broadcaster Suzannah Lipscomb. Her dramatic exploration of witchcraft and the witch trials promises to be a captivating end to an exceptional four days.

 

Make a Weekend of It in TewkesburyAccommodation

To truly experience and immerse yourself we highly recommend turning your visit into a full weekend history retreat. Tewkesbury is a town where history is written into the very architecture, and there is no better way to soak it up than by staying in one of town’s hotels. Between sessions, you can wander through the town’s famous alleys or take a peaceful stroll where the River Severn and River Avon meet. A visit to the magnificent Tewkesbury Abbey, with its soaring Norman tower, or experiencing the Merchant’s House or Old Baptist Chapel are all an absolute must for any heritage lover.

Whether you are a lifelong history enthusiast or simply looking for a summer break that has an element of learning and discovery attached, the Tewkesbury History Festival offers world-class storytelling in an unforgettable setting. For booking, ticket information, and the full programme, please visit tewkesburyhistoryfestival.co.uk or contact the Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre.