British Library HistFest 2026, 18-19 April

From Ancient Greek naval commanders and Egyptian queens to the history of motherhood and LGBTQ+ social histories – this year, HistFest brings you a raft of fascinating histories and speakers.

On Saturday HistFest travels to Ancient Athens with Professor Michael Scott, we reimagine the stories of Cleopatra and Isabel Moctezuma with Saara El-Arifi and Sofia Robleda and explores the fascinating everyday lives of people from the past with Ruth Goodman and Dr Wanda Wyporska.

On Sunday the festival explores the complex histories of motherhood and birth with Lucy Inglis, Professor Lara Feigel and Dr Pragya Agarwal, before delving into 20th century queer history with Tash Walker and Adam Zmith and rounding of the weekend by travelling through time and place with Sir Michael Palin.

Book and find out more at the British Library website.

More events at https://events.bl.uk/whats-on/cultural-events.