About HistFest 2026
From Ancient Greek naval commanders and Egyptian queens to the history of motherhood and LGBTQ+ social histories – this year, we bring you a raft of fascinating histories and speakers.
On Saturday we travel to Ancient Athens with Professor Michael Scott, we reimagine the stories of Cleopatra and Isabel Moctezuma with Saara El-Arifi and Sofia Robleda and we explore the fascinating everyday lives of people from the past with Ruth Goodman and Dr Wanda Wyporska.
On Sunday we explore 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.
Full event details coming soon.
Your support
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.
More information
Ticket types
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.
Concessions
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.
Accessibility and facilities
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.
You might also like
Culture as Security: How Culture Protects Us
Lessons from Ukraine and Beyond.
Hekate – The Play
Nikita Gill and Jenny Wall welcome you to this work in progress of Hekate.
Kenneth Williams at 100: A Celebration
Join curator Helen Meloday, actor David Benson, broadcaster Gyles Brandreth and Dame Sheila Hancock for an afternoon celebrating the life and impact of Kenneth Williams.