UEA graduate among the big names leading Norwich History Festival
By: Communications
Comedian and author Charlie Higson will return to UEA as the Norwich History Festival brings some of the UK's leading historians, authors and broadcasters to the city.
Now in its second year, the Norwich History Festival runs from 14-24 July, bringing together internationally renowned historians, authors and broadcasters alongside academics and local experts.
Among this year's headline speakers are bestselling military historian Antony Beevor, historian and broadcaster Kate Williams, writer and explorer Nicholas Crane, and UEA graduate Charlie Higson.
The acclaimed author, actor and co-creator of The Fast Show will return to UEA's campus on Thursday 23 July for a special event exploring Britain's monarchs, his lifelong enthusiasm for history, and his connection to Norwich.
His event, Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, draws on his popular history podcast and bestselling book about Britain's kings and queens.
Charlie Higson said: “It's great to have an excuse to come back and visit Norwich again and to do an event at UEA where I spent some very happy student years in the late 70s.
“I've returned a few times since then in different guises - as a comedy writer and performer, as a novelist, and this time I'm coming back as a historian - my new side hustle. I believe Gen Z call this polyworking, income stacking or Overemployment…”
Higson is one of several speakers with strong UEA links appearing at the festival, whose 2026 theme is Why History Matters.
The programme features 34 talks and debates, 30 walks and tours, alongside exhibitions, performances and community events across the city.
UEA will also host internationally renowned historian Antony Beevor on Saturday 18 July. Widely regarded as one of the world's leading military historians, he will discuss his latest work exploring the life and legacy of Grigori Rasputin.
The University's contribution extends beyond hosting events. Dr Nicholas Grant, Associate Professor of International History at UEA, will chair the festival's Why History Matters debate, bringing together speakers to examine history's relevance to contemporary society.
A talk by Prof Claire Jowitt, principal investigator of The Gloucester Project, will discuss one of the most significant maritime discoveries in British history.
In Why the Gloucester Shipwreck Matters, Prof Jowitt will explore what the 1682 sinking of the Gloucester frigate has revealed about 17th-century society, naval history and the future King James II, while highlighting the significance of a discovery described as the most important historic maritime find since the Mary Rose.
Prof Claire Jowitt said: 'I am thrilled to share UEA's new research about the Gloucester shipwreck, a Norfolk story of national and international significance.
“Attendees will hear about how accounts of struggle and survival were shaped by seventeenth-century partisan politics, and there's even a shaggy-dog story!
“Norwich History Festival is going from strength to strength, and I am honoured to be part of it.”
The wider programme also includes Kate Williams opening the festival with Regina: A New History of Women in Power, while Nicholas Crane will explore the hidden history of Britain's network of footpaths.
Festival Director Stuart Hobday said: "We're delighted to be working with UEA in delivering an ambitious Norwich History Festival for July 2026.
We have 11 days of talks, walks, theatre, music, and film on Why History Matters and UEA are providing several speakers as well as a number of event facilitators.
“The two main headline events of historian Antony Beevor and comedian and writer Charlie Higson are both appearing in the main lecture theatre at UEA.
“We also want to encourage people to study history and explore the courses on offer at the University and in the festival we will be presenting history in all its facets as intriguing, fun and accessible and ultimately the best guide to the future!"
From royal intrigue and scientific discovery to local heritage and public debate, this year's Norwich History Festival will showcase the many ways understanding the past helps us make sense of the present.
For full programme information and tickets, visit www.norwichhistoryfestival.co.uk.
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