HistFest 2026

Saturday 18 April

11.00: Pharoahs & Empresses: Rewriting The Stories Of Cleopatra And Isabel Moctezuma

Can historical fiction reshape our understanding of the past? Join bestselling authors Saara El-Arifi and Sofía Robleda for a fascinating journey into the past through remarkable historical women. El-Arifi will discuss her novel Cleopatra, a vivid reimagining of an iconic ruler, while Robleda presents The Other Moctezuma Girls, which centres voices often left out of traditional histories. Together, they’ll explore how fiction can challenge dominant narratives and invite us to rethink history.

13.00: Themistocles – The Rise And Fall Of Athens’s Naval Mastermind

Themistocles was one of history’s great heroes, praised by Thucydides as one of the most illustrious Greeks of all time. An instrumental political and military figure, he played key roles in the Battle of Marathon, expanded the Athenian fleet, and led Athens to victory against the Persians at Salamis.

But who was the real man behind the myth? To celebrate his acclaimed biography Themistocles: The Rise and Fall of Athens’s Naval Mastermind, Michael Scott presents a special lecture exploring the real Themistocles – decisive and heroic, but also uncertain and unprepared. Both loved and hated in Athens, his ideas were as often ignored as they were respected.

15.00: The Lost Voices Of Pompeii: The Final Day In Seven Lives

We all know how the people of Pompeii died.

But what about how they lived?

Drawing on the latest archaeological discoveries, Dr Jess Venner brings the ancient streets to life through the eyes of those who lived, worked, loved and ultimately met their fate in Pompeii. Chaired by broadcaster and author Dr Raksha Dave, this event explores a more complex, diverse and human community than we ever imagined.

17.00: Living History with Ruth Goodman

We know what life was like for Henry VIII and Queen Victoria. But what was it like for a commoner – like you or me?

As the star of BBC series Victorian Farm, Edwardian Farm, and Tudor Monastery Farm, Ruth Goodman has captivated audiences with her hands-on approach to exploring the lives of everyday people throughout British history, revolutionizing the way we think about the past. In this special event, Ruth delves into the secrets, routines, and remarkable ingenuity of our ancestors, sharing personal anecdotes from her immersive television adventures and insights from her extensive research. Ruth will be in conversation with Dr Wanda Wyporska.

Sunday 19 April

11.00: Birth, Motherhood & Custody – An Untold History

Join Prof. Lara Feigel (Custody: The Secret History of Mothers) and Lucy Inglis (Born: The Untold History of Childbirth) for a compelling conversation on motherhood, power, and the hidden histories that shape women’s lives. Chaired by bestselling author and academic, Prof. Pragya Agarwal (Hysterical: Exploding the Myth of Gendered Emotions).

From how mothers have been judged, controlled, and separated from their children across history to the cultural, medical, and political forces that have shaped childbirth through the centuries. They’ll explore how these overlooked histories continue to influence contemporary debates around motherhood, autonomy, and care.

13.00: The Log Books – Voices of Queer Britain & The Helpline That Listened

In a crawlspace at the offices of Switchboard, a queer helpline in operation since 1974, lies dozens of log books kept by volunteers describing the phone calls they had taken: a teenager whose parents had kicked them out of home for dressing as the wrong gender; a lesbian terrified of having her baby taken away from her; a man arrested for chatting up another man in a public toilet; a young person wanting to know how to come out.

Join The Log Books authors Tash Walker and Adam Zmith to explore this precious archive of queer lives. Chaired by historian, Dan Vo

15.00: The Brontë Sisters

Interest in the Brontë sisters has never been more intense, with Emerald Fennell’s controversial new adaptation of Wuthering Heights and the announcement of a fresh adaptation of Jane Eyre bringing their work into the spotlight.

Join novelist Essie Fox, author of Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights, and scholar of Victorian literature, Dr Tara Puri, as they delve into the lives, imaginations, and enduring influence of the Brontë sisters. Chaired by broadcaster and public historian Greg Jenner, this lively discussion will explore the myths and realities surrounding Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, and why their stories continue to captivate readers and filmmakers alike.

17.00: Sir Michael Palin: Travels Through Time

Join Sir Michael Palin for a special evening exploring his extraordinary career on screen and on the page through the lens of history.

From his groundbreaking work with Monty Python’s Flying Circus to his acclaimed travel documentaries, Palin has spent decades bringing curiosity, wit and humanity to stories from around the world. Alongside his bestselling travel writing and diaries, he has also turned to biography and history, with books including Erebus: The Story of a Ship and Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire, blending meticulous research with his trademark storytelling voice.

In conversation with HistFest director Rebecca Rideal, he will reflect on how history has shaped his creative life, and how comedy, documentary, and historical writing alike can deepen our understanding of the past and present.

This event will take place in the British Library and is also available to watch online. Tickets may be booked to attend in person, or to watch online. 

Which ticket is for you?

Weekend passes get you in person access to all our HistFest sessions across both days.

Day tickets give you in person access to all sessions on either Saturday or Sunday, please ensure you book for your desired day.

Online passes get you online only access to HistFest across both days and to catch-up viewing for 10 days following the event. 

There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, Young Persons (16 – 25s), and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit and free entry for carers.

There is step-free access across the Library. Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge, subject to availability. Please ask a member of staff on arrival. 

We welcome guide dogs and assistance dogs. Dog bowls are available at the Information Desk, Reading Rooms and all cafés.

A cloakroom and digital lockers are available for visitors who do not wish to take bags and coats into the exhibition. These are free to use and located on the Lower Ground Floor. 

You will find accessible toilets on all floors and baby changing facilities on the Lower Ground Floor, Upper Ground Floor and Floor 1. 

There are several restaurants and cafes at the Library and you are also welcome to bring your own food to eat outside on the Piazza or in our public spaces. There are water fountains that can be used to refill water bottles across the building. Please do not consume food or drink inside the Pigott theatre or in the exhibition galleries.

Learn more about your visit, accessibility, our facilities and cafés.