The Wimpole History Festival is back with stellar line-up of historians, broadcasters and academics set to bring the past to life.

Royston Crow: Kate Mosse will be at the Wimpole History Festival. Picture: Ruth CraferKate Mosse will be at the Wimpole History Festival. Picture: Ruth Crafer (Image: Archant)

Following on from what organisers described as a “hugely successful” inaugural event last year, the Wimpole History Festival will celebrate the rich panorama of history in all its guises.

The Wimplole Estate in Arrington will provide the backdrop to the festival – which is the product of a partnership between the Cambridge Literary Festival and the National Trust – and will feature talks by Alice Roberts, Jenni Murray, Mary Beard, David Olusoga, Christopher Andrew and more.

Festival director Cathy Moore said: “I am so excited about the 2018 programme.

Royston Crow: Mary Beard is an honorary patron of the festival and will close the event. Picture: Caterina TurroniMary Beard is an honorary patron of the festival and will close the event. Picture: Caterina Turroni (Image: Archant)

“History has an enduring appeal and history set against the magnificent backdrop of the Wimpole Estate is irresistible.

“We are building upon last year’s inaugural success to present a roll-call of historians who will help us retrace and piece together our shared histories. This is the power of history: to boggle minds, provide keys and answers.

“It holds such importance in our lives while retaining the power to entertain us on every level.”

Royston Crow: Christopher Andrew will give a talk on the history of intelligence. Picture: Justine StoddartChristopher Andrew will give a talk on the history of intelligence. Picture: Justine Stoddart (Image: Archant)

Paul Forecast, the National Trust East of England regional director, said: “We have built on the overwhelmingly positive response from our visitors at last year’s festival. This year will prove to be even better. We continue to welcome millions of people at places like Wimpole to share incredible stories of the past and be inspired.

“A visit to this year’s festival will delight and captivate the whole family, spark ideas and show the power and relevance of history.”

Historian and founding patron David Reynolds added: “I love the range of history on offer, from medieval manuscripts and 17th-century witches to our own equally whacky world of Trumputin. Also watching young readers getting hooked on history at an early age.

Royston Crow: Charles Spencer's talk all about Charles II is entitled To Catch a King. Picture: Jonathan RingCharles Spencer's talk all about Charles II is entitled To Catch a King. Picture: Jonathan Ring (Image: Archant)

“And the fact that, if you get tired of the hot air inside, you can escape into the fresh air of beautiful Wimpole.”

The festival takes place from Friday to Sunday, June 22 to 24. There will also be a ceilidh band The Boxwood Chessman and hog roast on the Saturday at 8pm.

For the full programme and tickets go to www.wimpolehistoryfestival.com or call 01223 357851.

Royston Crow: The Boxwood Chessman will perform. Picture: Courtesy of the Cambridge Literary FestivalThe Boxwood Chessman will perform. Picture: Courtesy of the Cambridge Literary Festival (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: Professor Alice Roberts will deliver a talk on her search of the Iron Age ancestors we call the Celts. Picture: Andrew YarmeProfessor Alice Roberts will deliver a talk on her search of the Iron Age ancestors we call the Celts. Picture: Andrew Yarme (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: Jenni Murray will present the history of Britain through 21 women. Picture: Les WilsonJenni Murray will present the history of Britain through 21 women. Picture: Les Wilson (Image: Archant)