Chester Festival of Ideas is returning this July following its success last year.

Guests this year will include Hannah Cockroft OBE, a seven-time Paralympian champion, and Kate Adie CBE, former chief news correspondent for the BBC.

The festival, hosted by the University of Chester, will run from Thursday 3 July to Sunday 6 July.

Responding to feedback from last year's first-ever Festival of Ideas, it will again feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops and immersive events.

Organisers are also inviting individuals, schools, organisations and communities to submit their event ideas.

A full programme for the Festival and ticket booking for events will open in early May 2025.

Guests this year will include Hannah Cockroft OBE, a seven-time Paralympian champion (Image via: The university of Chester)

People are being urged not to miss the chance to showcase their passions, work, business, share insights and connect with a diverse audience eager to explore new concepts.

Hannah Cockroft will be in conversation with Associate Professor Kirstie Simpson, Dean of Chester Business School on Friday 4 July.

She will be followed by Kate Adie on Sunday 6 July, chatting with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, Professor Eunice Simmons.

Speaking on 'Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth' on Friday 4 July, Natalie Haynes, writer and broadcaster, will be joining the event.

Dr Amir Khan, full-time GP and author, will also discuss 'The Natural Health Service: Reclaiming Wellness in a Modern World', on Saturday 5 July.

Members of the public will be invited to interact with historical objects, enjoy talks and behind-the-scenes experiences from Chester's Grosvenor Museum.

There will be an exhibition and discussions from Cheshire Archives and Local Studies on 'Food for Thought: Artistic Imaginings of Cheshire's Historic Recipe Collection'.

A wide range of talks and experiences from authors of the University of Chester Press will also be presented, including sharing the story of the foundling hospital at Chester and the Cheshire Magna Carta.

Dr Amir Khan, full-time GP and author, will discuss 'The Natural Health Service: Reclaiming Wellness in a Modern World' (Image via: The university of Chester)

The schools project for 2025 is around the theme of 'Our Future in Our Hands'.

Any school event, project or work can be submitted which delves into the power of individual choices, community action, and innovative thinking in addressing pressing global issues.

Event submissions are warmly welcomed from any school or groups within the Cheshire area or beyond.

Katherine Wilson, director of Chester Festival of Ideas and professor of Later Medieval European History at the University of Chester, said: "We are delighted that Chester Festival of Ideas is returning for 2025 and encourage event submissions for the Festival from individuals, organisations, schools, colleges and community groups.

"We'd love you to join us in bringing people together to explore and inspire new thinking, ideas, debate and discussion."

Professor Paul Bissell, Pro Vice-Chancellor for research and innovation at the University said: "The response to our first Festival of Ideas last year was incredible and we're thrilled to announce and launch the 2025 Festival.

Any school event, project or work can be submitted which delves into the power of individual choices (Image via: The university of Chester)

"Our values as a University include championing the pursuit of knowledge, finding joy in discovery and invention, and celebrating creativity.

"The festival is a great way to showcase our city and the importance of the public engagement work we carry out with our communities and stakeholders."

Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, added: "Where would Chester be without the ideas that have shaped the city over the centuries?

"Every plan and activity starts with an idea and I'm looking forward to the return of Chester's own festival celebrating ideas.

"If residents, businesses or groups have an idea they'd like to share with a wider audience, let us know now, as the events programme is being put together."

Event submission is now open through the events submission form which is available on the Festival of Ideas website.

Submissions close on Monday 31 March.

Inspiration for event ideas can also be found on the website.

For further information on the Festival, please visit here.