The first-ever Chester Festival of Ideas, boasting close to 100 free events, is set to begin next week.

Organised by the University of Chester and its partners, the festival is scheduled to run from Thursday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7.

The festival invites the public to participate in a host of activities including discussion panels, theatre, pop-up exhibitions, music, readings and guided walks.

Renowned speakers from various fields will offer their insights on a wide range of subjects, tying together the past, present and future in celebratory, entertaining, informative and inspiring sessions.

Among the notable events is a discussion on radical right movements in Interwar Europe by academics Professor Tim Grady and Dr Roland Clark, and a talk on history from broadcaster and historian Professor David Olusoga.

Professor Howard Williams will present "Debating Death: The Archaeology of the Past and Present", while Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, DBE, DL shares her life and her outlook.

Other events focused on the present include an interactive exhibition discussing poverty and stigma. A look at the role of food as a social connector is another event planned, and a fascinating discussion about the where ideas come from.

Sustainability issues are also on the table, with Professor John French of the University of Chester outlining the benefits of a net-zero approach.

The event takes place next week   (Image: University of Chester)

In addition, Transition Chester will lead sustainability walks around the city.

The topic of future social care will be handled by Rhian Crompton, while Pulitzer-nominated journalist Carole Cadwalladr will discuss the impact of generative AI on global democracies.

The Chester Town Hall will serve as the festival hub, although events are also taking place in various venues across the city.

Katherine Wilson, who is leading the Festival, said: "We're thrilled to be so close to opening the Festival and to welcoming everyone to celebrate our city and its people, to explore the past, present and future, and our contributions to the wider world.

"We hope people really enjoy this opportunity to join together and hear and share learning and ideas.

"It’s open to all and there’s so much to choose from."

To book places, visit www.festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk.