Leading figures from the arts and culture sector are set to speak at a free University of Chester lecture series.

The 2024-25 Culture and Society Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute (RKEI) Public Lecture Series will include a theatre director and a Time Team expert.

The programme, now in its third year, will start on Tuesday, October 22, with Liam Evans-Ford, executive director and CEO of Theatr Clwyd, discussing "Arts for the Future - Theatr Clwyd, What Does a Modern Arts Institution Need to Become?"

On Thursday, November 28, Dr Helen West and graduate Esther Humphries will examine "How Swiftly Does Swift's Accent Shift?: The Language of Taylor Swift."

The Singh Twins  (Image: Christopher Doyle Photography)

Stewart Ainsworth, landscape archaeologist for Time Team and University of Chester visiting professor, will continue the series on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, exploring "Mapping the Past: From Ordnance Survey to Time Team."

The series will also feature sculptor Stephen Broadbent on Tuesday, February 18, discussing "Keeping Faith in Art," and contemporary British artists and University of Chester graduates, The Singh Twins, on Thursday, April 3, discussing "Artistic Responses to Empire and Colonialism and its Legacies."

Professor Tim Grady, professor of modern European history and director of the Culture and Society RKEI at the University, said: "Our public lecture series is always both fascinating and fun, with lively talks and great discussion.

"This year is set to be even more exciting, as we’re joined by television personalities, international artists and theatre professionals.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the University each time for thought-provoking talks."

All events will take place from 6pm to 7.15pm, at Lecture Theatre CRV 139, the Wheeler building in Chester, Castle Drive, CH1 1SL.

The talks are free and open to all.

For further information and to book free places, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/universityofchester1.