Welcome to Cirencester History Festival

Already been to an event?

Help us make the 2025 festival even better by letting us know about your experience of this year’s festival.

‘Welcome to the first ever Cirencester History Festival. We’ve put together a terrific programme of local, national and global history, reaching out to the curious of every age with stimulating talks and lectures, family events and community activities. History is in our DNA in Cirencester, so this is an exciting first step of a giant voyage of discovery. Come and join us in the historic Capital of the Cotswolds this October half term!’

Dame Fiona Reynolds

President of Cirencester History Festival and former Director General of the National Trust

In the Community

Families

A full programme of family activities including crafting, workshops, cookery classes, storytelling, dressing up and Halloween fun.

Talks

Flagship talks from some of the country’s top historians, thinkers and broadcasters as well as many brilliant local voices.

Walks & Tours

A wide range of guided walks and tours, from Cirencester in the Civil War to Pubs Past & Present.

Revelry

Events ranging from forgotten local folk songs to a tasting history of curry and Cirencester’s lost brewery.

Exhibitions

Special exhibitions and museum openings for festival week.

Charities

A range of off-programme activities with charity partners throughout the week to reach a little deeper into the community.

Download the programme

Browse the full Cirencester History Festival 2024 lineup with our comprehensive day-by-day programme. You can pick up a print copy at the Corinium Museum or Local Information Centre in town – just ask at the front desk.

Download PDF