The Festival of Ideas is a programme of free, inclusive and accessible public events on a wide range of themes in and around Chester, co-created by the University of Chester and external stakeholders and city partners.

These events may include; speakers, discussion panels, theatre, pop-up exhibitions, interactive events, music, readings, guided walks and many more!

The Festival is founded on the University of Chester’s mission to create community and serve society through the transformative power of education, research and our Citizen Student Strategy.

It is based on our foundational values to recognise the pursuit of truth and freedom of enquiry, to find joy in discovery, to take pleasure in invention, and to celebrate human creativity. We seek to set out a programme of diverse, inclusive and accessible public events, to make an impact on the lives of communities, partners, students and staff that we work with.

The Festival aligns with the Partnership Agreement signed by the University and Cheshire West and Chester Council, which highlights our potential to deliver the ‘One City Plan’.

The Festival will provide a platform for residents to engage in ideas and discussions about our city’s history and it’s future. The events programme will seek to inspire residents to think about civic participation and it will encourage collaboration between private enterprise, public services, education providers and the community, voluntary and faith sectors in Chester, so that we can work together to ensure a healthier, greener and fairer future for all of Chester’s people.

Click here to view the full schedule of events.