Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.histfest-1000x667.jpg" alt="people at cirencester history festival" class="wp-image-75165" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.histfest-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.histfest-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.histfest-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.histfest.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The best new festival on the block is back for its second year, and tickets are selling fast! <a style="font-weight: bold" href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Cirencester History Festival</a> takes over the capital of the Cotswolds from 24 Oct &#8211; 2 Nov 2025, and the line-up is anything but dusty. 



Expect big names and lashings of drama, plus a brand new addition for this year, Festival Ambassador Charlie Cooper &#8211; actor, writer and proud metal detectorist.



Catch headliners such as Tim Marshall on the state of the world, Mary Portas teaming up with food historian Annie Gray for a lively look at Britain’s high street, and Ben Miller with his magical new book Diary of a Wicked Witch. 



Simon Jenkins stirs debate on British architecture, John Suchet brings Beethoven to life, and Philippa Langley reopens the mystery of the Princes in the Tower.



Love a slice of history and plenty of plot twists? Netflix who?!&#8230; Consider your autumn calendar booked with this fascinating festival. 



Here are are the ten top tickets we&#8217;re queuing up for&#8230;







<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hot-ticket">THE HOT TICKET</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charlie-cooper-trench-wars-detectorist-vs-archeologist-with-miles-russell">Charlie Cooper: Trench Wars &#8211; Detectorist vs Archeologist with Miles Russell </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.charlie3-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.charlie3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.charlie3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.charlie3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.charlie3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



This year’s Festival Ambassador, Charlie Cooper, brings his signature wit and sass to Cirencester. Known for This Country and Myth Country, Charlie’s love of history and metal detecting makes him the perfect guide to the town’s hidden past. Catch him in Detectorist vs Archaeologist with Miles Russell, and don’t miss his conversation with Daisy May Cooper plus a sneak peek of their new BBC series Nightwatch. A local legend doing local lore &#8211; festival gold.



When: Sat 25 Oct, 2 -3pm, Cirencester Parish Church.



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book here</a>











<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-fashion-fans-and-shopping-addicts">BEST FOR: Fashion fans and shopping addicts</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mary-portas-amp-annie-gray-the-high-street-then-and-now">Mary Portas &amp; Annie Gray: The High Street Then and Now</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="968" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1mary-968x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74932" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1mary-968x1000.jpg 968w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1mary-774x800.jpg 774w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1mary-387x400.jpg 387w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1mary-1486x1536.jpg 1486w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1mary.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 968px) 100vw, 968px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photograph: Linda Nylind</figcaption></figure>



Retail guru Mary Portas and food historian Annie Gray team up for a spirited&nbsp;double hander&nbsp;on Britain’s beloved High Street. From Georgian shopfronts to future-proofing local commerce, this session blends&nbsp;lessons from the past&nbsp;with forward-thinking flair. Chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds, Festival President, it’s a lively evening with bite.



When: Thursday 30th October, 7-8.30 pm, The Bingham Hall.



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book Here</a>











<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-families-and-little-kids">BEST FOR: Families and little kids</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ben-miller-diary-of-a-wicked-witch-nbsp">Ben Miller: Diary of a Wicked Witch&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/8.ben_-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74948" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/8.ben_-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/8.ben_-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/8.ben_-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/8.ben_-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/8.ben_-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/8.ben_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Actor, comedian, and bestselling author Ben Miller conjures up Halloween magic with his latest Fairytale Woods adventure, Diary of a Wicked Witch. Expect spells, surprises, and a cauldron full of laughs as Ben shares what makes classic fairy tales so enduring—and why his furious witch is ready to hex the whole forest. With live reading, illustrated talk, and Q&amp;A, it’s a spellbinding session for families and young readers alike. Fancy dress encouraged: prizes for the best witch or wizard!&nbsp;



When: Friday 31 October, 11:00 – 12:00 pm, Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX with a signing afterwards at Octavia&#8217;s Bookshop.



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book here</a>











<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-music-lovers-and-romantic-souls">BEST FOR: Music lovers (and romantic souls)</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palestrina-at-500-candlelight-and-choral-magic">Palestrina at 500: Candlelight and Choral Magic</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.orchestea-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74929" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.orchestea-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.orchestea-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.orchestea-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.orchestea.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The Sixteen’s opening night performance is nothing short of transcendent. Honouring Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina in Cirencester’s 12th-century wool church, this candlelit concert promises ethereal harmonies and timeless beauty. A soul-stirring start to the festival, bring the whole family and let the music transport you.



When: Fri 24 Oct, 7 &#8211; 8.15 pm, Cirencester Parish Church.



<a href="http://www.cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book Here</a>











<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-global-citizens">BEST FOR: Global citizens</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tim-marshall-mapping-the-world-s-fault-lines">Tim Marshall: Mapping the World’s Fault Lines</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="882" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.tim_-882x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74930" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.tim_-882x1000.jpg 882w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.tim_-706x800.jpg 706w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.tim_-353x400.jpg 353w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.tim_-1355x1536.jpg 1355w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.tim_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 882px) 100vw, 882px" /></figure>



In “Prisoners of Geography,” international affairs expert Tim Marshall unpacks how mountains, rivers, and borders shape global politics. From Putin’s ambitions to shifting alliances, this gripping talk is essential for anyone curious about the forces behind today’s headlines. A must-see for teens and adults alike.



When: Thursday 30th October, 5-6pm, The Bingham Hall.



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book Here</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-"></h2>







<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-design-dreamers">BEST FOR: Design dreamers</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simon-jenkins-who-built-britain">Simon Jenkins: Who Built Britain?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.simon_-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74941" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.simon_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.simon_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.simon_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.simon_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Historian and columnist Simon Jenkins takes us on a provocative journey through British architecture, asking who shaped our skylines—and who ruined them. With wit and insight, Jenkins challenges us to rethink our built heritage. A brilliant session for design lovers and curious minds.



When: Sat 1 November, 4 &#8211; 5 pm, Cirencester Parish Church. 



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book Here</a>











<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-countryside-fans">BEST FOR: Countryside fans</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arthur-parkinson-the-good-life-feathered">Arthur Parkinson: The Good Life, Feathered</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chickens-1000x850.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74946" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chickens-1000x850.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chickens-800x680.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chickens-400x340.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chickens.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Gardener, author, and top &#8216;henfluencer&#8217; Arthur Parkinson joins Dame Fiona Reynolds to talk chickens, flowers, and the joys of nature. It’s a charming close to the festival’s final day, ideal for families, green thumbs, and anyone dreaming of a simpler life.



When: Sunday 2nd November, 6.30-7.30 pm, The Bingham Hall.



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book Here</a>&nbsp;











<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-the-rising-stars-of-history">BEST FOR: The rising stars of history</h1>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="938" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/6.emiky_-938x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74934" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/6.emiky_-938x1000.jpg 938w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/6.emiky_-750x800.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/6.emiky_-375x400.jpg 375w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/6.emiky_-1440x1536.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/6.emiky_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image © Faye Thomas Photography</figcaption></figure>



Charlie Cooper joins a new wave of historians bringing fresh energy to the field. Don’t miss Amy Jeffs’ medieval tales, Luke Pepera’s epic sweep of African history, and Emily Hauser’s myth-busting look at Greek heroines. These sessions are packed with insight and imagination.



Amy Jeffs, Saturday 25th October, 12-1 pm, Corinium Museum



Luke Pepera, Sunday 26th October, 4.30-5.30 pm, The Barn Theatre



Emily Hauser, Monday 27th October, 6-7 pm, Corinium Museum



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book Here</a>











<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-questioning-minds">BEST FOR: Questioning minds</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-mercia-great-again">Make Mercia Great Again?</h2>



Historian Max Adams and HistoryExtra’s Dave Musgrove ask whether Mercia deserves a bigger role in England’s origin story. It’s a cheeky, thought-provoking session that blends serious scholarship with playful debate. A family favourite for those who love a good historical rethink.



When: Sunday 26th October, 2-3 pm, The Barn Theatre. 



<a href="http://www.cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">Book here</a> 







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-"></h2>







<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-nostalgia-nuts">BEST FOR: Nostalgia nuts</h1>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-old-station-experience-platform-nostalgia">The Old Station Experience: Platform Nostalgia</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="633" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.place_-1000x633.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74945" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.place_-1000x633.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.place_-800x507.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.place_-400x253.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/4.place_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Step back into the golden age of rail at Cirencester Town Station, where history comes alive through immersive storytelling and vintage charm &#8211; relive the magic of steam and station life with virtual reality and teas on the platform. A perfect outing for families and train enthusiasts alike.



When: Sat 25 Oct and Sat 1 Nov, 10am &#8211; 4pm, Old Station Car Park.



<a href="https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">FREE DROP IN EVENT</a>







For more information and to book your tickets (be quick!) head to <a href="http://www.cirencesterhistoryfestival.org">cirencesterfhistoryestival.org</a>.















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