Some of the UK's best-known broadcasters, authors and campaigners are set to headline Chester's Festival of Ideas next month.

David Baddiel, Mariella Frostrup, Gary Younge and Horrible Histories historian Greg Jenner are among the big names taking part in the four-day event, which returns from July 2 to July 5.

More than 100 free talks, workshops, performances and family activities will be held at venues across the city, alongside appearances from Esther Ghey, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price and Queen's Park High School headteacher Tom Kearns.

The festival, now in its third year, will feature discussions on topics ranging from education and social issues to history, science and the environment.

Greg Jenner said: "I'm delighted to come to beautiful Chester, with its nearly 2,000 years of history, to tell the totally chaotic story of how the Romans conquered Britain.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of the festival, alongside so many wonderful speakers."

Guests can expect to see science shows featuring rockets and fire demonstrations, wildlife activities hosted by experts from Chester Zoo, and a virtual reality experience exploring Chester's Roman past.

University of Chester academics will also run a programme of talks and workshops covering a wide range of social and cultural issues.

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Topics include rough sleeping, LGBTQ+ history, inter-generational mentoring and the relationship between people and animals. Legal experts will also explain lasting powers of attorney and how University of Chester students are helping local residents complete them.

Visitors will also be able to take part in a pop-up repair café, bringing broken household items for repair, while families can join activities including owl pellet dissections and mini science experiments.

While all events are free to attend, organisers are encouraging people to book places in advance.