BBC History Magazine’s weekend festivals are back this autumn with Chester Town Hall featuring as a new venue.

A fantastic programme at the event – taking place between Friday, October 25 and Sunday, October 27 – is promised with nearly 30 talks from leading historians and authors.

The Chester line-up includes bestselling author and historian Tracy Borman who, inspired by her debut novels (The King’s Witch and its sequel, The Devil’s Slave), will tell those gathered about the turbulent world of the early Stuart court, where King James I waged a war on witches and Catholics alike.

Tudor historian and archaeologist Robert Hutchinson delves into the life of Henry VIII, who towards the end, was a vulnerable king, thwarted in his ambitions.

Meanwhile, historian and broadcaster Michael Wood will discuss how, when clearing out his parents’ house two years ago, he found a photograph from 1884 showing a group of eleven Peterloo veterans from Failsworth, his father’s town.

Historian Michael Wood signing at the 2017 BBC History Magazine weekend festival. Picture by Steve Sayers

It’s the only surviving photo of people from Peterloo. He will hope to answer questions about their story including who they were.

The following weekend will see another history weekend hosted by the medieval city of Winchester between November 1 and 3.

David Musgrove, BBC History Magazine content director, says: “We’re very excited to have new venues for our annual weekends. Winchester and Chester are both great places to visit for history enthusiasts, all the more so when you can come along to our events and listen to such a fantastic range of speakers.

"We are delighted that so many great historians and writers have been able to join us once more, and we look forward to what promises to be two more great weekends of history this autumn.”

History Fringe also returns this year where, as well as the main lectures series, festival visitors can also enjoy free short sessions guaranteed to keep you occupied and informed between talks. Taking place throughout Saturday and Sunday, the History Weekends have partnered with scholars from the universities of Winchester and Chester who will host these educational taster sessions on a broad range of fascinating topics.

To see the full line-up for both events, and details of how to buy tickets visit the website or call 0871 620 4021. Subscribers to BBC History Magazine can take advantage of a reduced rate for all ticket options, and there are discounts for visitors buying tickets for both festivals.

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