After a sell-out debut in 2024, Cirencester History Festival returns for its second year from 24 October to 2 November 2025, promising an even bigger and bolder celebration of global, national and local history in 17 venues across town.
Stars joining the lineup this year include actor, writer and keen metal detectorist Charlie Cooper, international affairs expert Tim Marshall, retail campaigner Mary Portas, actor, comedian and author Ben Miller, historian and columnist Simon Jenkins, legendary broadcaster John Suchet, and historical investigator Philippa Langley.
The festival is also thrilled to welcome Charlie Cooper as Festival Ambassador for 2025. Best known for co-creating This Country and Myth Country, Charlie brings both passion and humour to the role. “History grounds us,” he says. “It reminds us of where we come from and helps us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. When you stand outside, holding a centuries-old coin or step into the old Cirencester Station, you’re touching history—and something deeper. We’re seeing a surge in people wanting that connection, to find comfort in what we know, and joy in discovering what we don’t. I’m chuffed to be joining the brilliant team behind Cirencester History Festival—it’s such an exciting and important event for the town and beyond.”
This year’s programme also features a strong focus on geopolitics and international history, aiming to help audiences explore the roots of today’s global tensions through the lens of the past. Festival President Dame Fiona Reynolds says: “History isn’t just about what’s behind us – it’s a wonderful tool for understanding where we are now. In a world that often feels uncertain, the stories, lessons and perspectives of the past can help us navigate the challenges of the present with greater clarity and insight.”
Alongside 26 talks and panel discussions, the festival will feature over 50 immersive events for all tastes and ages, including crafting, historical cookery, film screenings, exhibitions and interactive workshops. It promises to be a spectacular week!
Further headliner announcements will be available over the coming weeks. The full programme is on general release on 5 September 2025, when tickets go on sale via the festival website.
Di Cronin, Fundraising suggests, “To support our subsidised youth tickets and free events for families, consider joining as a Friend of the History Festival. This gives 48-hour advance access to booking and helps keep the programme accessible.”
To keep up to date, join the mailing list: www.cirencesterhistoryfestival.org
The Cirencester History Festival operates in association with Gloucester History Festival which this year runs from 6 to 21 September 2025. Gloucester History Festival organises the annual Winstone Talk, which takes place in the Church of St John Baptist, Cirencester, on Saturday 25 October 2025, during Cirencester History Festival week.
Cirencester History Festival is managed by Cirencester Community Development Trust (CCDT), and shares its aims of promoting culture, heritage and tourism, engaging young people and addressing social and economic inequality in the town. Charity number 1150810.
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