Some of the UK's top broadcasters, writers and thinkers are exploring a whole range of fascinating topics when Cirencester History Festival returns this autumn 2026.
What to expect at Cirencester History Festival 2026?
The third annual Cirencester History Festival once again brings together local, national and global history experts for a series of engaging events, with a host of immersive family-friendly activities taking place throughout, too.
And this year, festival goers have the chance to put their stamp on a special community art project to create 'The Cirencester Tapestry' – in honour of the Bayeux Tapestry returning to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years.
Designed from drawings submitted by the community, everyone is invited to sew a stitch or two of the tapestry from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, at the town's Old Department Store – which will serve as a history fest hub during festival week.
Who's on the lineup for Cirencester History Festival 2026?
The first headliners for this year's festival will be announced in August, with the full programme coming on Friday 4 September 2026.
Past names include leading writers and historians like Natalie Haynes, Sir Max Hastings and Martin Sixsmith, along with renowned broadcasters from actor Ben Miller to retail campaigner Mary Portas and Cirencester's own Charlie Cooper, who is now a festival ambassador.
Its activities programmes have featured everything from crafty Halloween costume making with New Brewery Arts, to making regency high tea with Cotswold Cookery School.
Where and when is Cirencester History Festival 2026?
Cirencester History Festival 2026 takes place at venues across Cirencester from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
How to book tickets for Cirencester History Festival 2026?
Tickets go on sale when the full programme is revealed on Friday 4 September 2026 at cirencesterhistoryfestival.org – where you can also sign up to its mailing list to get all the latest updates, including lineup announcements.
