Gloucester History Festival has been hailed a huge success and ended on a high with former UK prime minister Theresa May and Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant speaking to audiences at Blackfriars Priory.
The autumn festival which ran from Saturday 2 to Sunday 17 September 2023, continued on this year's theme of 'Quests and Curiosity'.
With everything from walking tours and exhibitions to expert talks and lively debates at one of Gloucester's most ancient and unique buildings, history fans of all ages had plenty to get excited about.
Author and presenter of BBC2's Raiders of the Lost Past, Janina Ramirez, headed up the event with support from patrons, historian and presenter David Olusoga, and star of Channel 4's Treasures of the World, Bettany Hughes.
During the final weekend Theresa May discussed the abuse of power by politicians and public institutions, while Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant shared his love for the myths, legends and folklore of the Welsh marches.
Big names who appeared in Gloucester over the last fortnight have included Countdown lexicographer Susie Dent; BBC Radio 4 presenter James Naughtie; author Alison Weir; former Newsnight presenter Gavin Esler; author and historian Michael Wood; author Gary Younge; Elizabethan expert Tracy Borman; author Tom Holland; and BBC international editor Jeremy Bowen analysing the modern-day Middle East.
