Event type: Talk

From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited over centuries for political, nation-building ends. In LEGENDA, bestselling historian Professor Janina Ramirez peels back the layers of time to reveal how the identities of women have been co-opted by those intent on crafting national identities. Their names are well-known, and summaries of their achievements have been recited in classrooms for decades, but medieval women like Joan of Arc, Lady Godiva and Isabella of Castile have been misrepresented, their stories twisted and weaponised. Meanwhile, ground-breaking 18th and 19th-century women who blazed a trail through revolutionary Europe have been forgotten, their legacies too easily dismissed or ignored.Questioning established narratives and searching for the real women behind the legends, join Janina Ramirez in conversation as she interrogates what defines a nation and who gets to build it, shining a light on how history is so often hijacked to serve the ideological and political interests of the present.

Professor Janina Ramirez is a best-selling author, presenter, lecturer and researcher. She is Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, and Visiting Professor in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln. She has published widely on medieval history, art and literature, has written both fiction and non-fiction for adults and younger readers, and has taught and researched across a broad chronological sweep, covering everything from the sculptures of antiquity to post-modern architecture. She has also written and presented documentaries across the world for over 15 years, including ‘Raiders of the Lost Past,’ ‘The Private Lives of Kings,’ and ‘Art Lovers Guide’. She is Lifelong President of Gloucester History Festival, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Royal Society of Arts, Universities of York and Gloucestershire and City Lit. 

This event will feature an interview, audience Q&A and book signing.

*Please note that under-16s must be accompanied by an adult*

Join political commentator Ash Sarkar to discuss her explosive Sunday Times bestselling debut Minority Rule, which reveals how the collective power of ordinary people is under attack.

Minority rule (noun): an irrational fear fuelled by right-wing pundits, lobby journalists and billionaires, that minority groups are displacing majority populations.

We all know that the modern world is in crisis. But it’s not just a crisis for the climate, or of living standards – it’s a ‘blame crisis’. Whether it’s infighting on the left or the demonisation of immigrants on the right, there’s always a new talking point to distract us from real, necessary, systemic change.

Now is the time to realise that we have been duped into fighting with each other; now is the time to redirect our outrage towards those who deserve it.

Join YouTuber and host of the Within Reason podcast Alex O’Connor for an evening of discussion and audience questions on God, religion, consciousness, and more.

Promoted by Live Nation (Music) UK Limited

Join artists and panel experts to discuss the benefits of connecting to nature through growing plants and supporting our natural heritage.

The event will introduce the community engagement work of RHS Garden Bridgewater and Chester Zoo, featuring:

· Daniel Atherton, Regional Interpretation Coordinator, Royal Horticultural Society, RHS Garden Bridgewater and RHS Garden Harlow Carr;

· Jenny Mutch, Head of Conservation Education and Engagement, Chester Zoo.

There will also be an introduction to the community co-created photography exhibited in Open Eye Gallery’s space during LOOK Climate Lab 2026, featuring:

• Stephanie Wynne, socially engaged photographer working with volunteers supporting Whitby Park Community Garden in Ellesmere Port. Part of Chester Zoo’s Networks for Nature programme, the collaboration has explored the positive impact of nature connections, using photography as a way to observe, reflect, and explore what nature means to each of the gardeners.

• Fiona Robinson, socially engaged photographer working with one of the Green Social Prescribing groups, connecting people with nature based activities at RHS Bridgewater. Since June 2025, they have been exploring the ever-changing beauty of the gardens through a broad range of photography based activities.

• Anoosh Ariamehr, socially engaged photographer working with the adults and children from RHS Nature and Natter group, in association with the Recreate-U organisation. Together they have been combining gardening, socialising, photography, care and listening: slow walks around the garden, observational prompts, practical photography tasks and occasional storytelling workshops that introduced simple photographic techniques.

Anoosh Ariamehr and Fiona Robinson residencies are part of OFFSHOOT – a collaboration between University of Salford Art Collection, RHS Garden Bridgewater and Open Eye Gallery, generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

This event is part of LOOK Climate Lab 2026, a biennial programme by Open Eye Gallery.

Nawal Gebreel, a textile designer and member of Bluecoat’s Creative Community, will share her passion for embroidered textiles and her remarkable journey in creating a collection inspired by Afghanistan.

She will take us through her experiences visiting the Afghan border, introducing us to the incredible people she met and the stories behind their craftsmanship. Afghanistan is a truly unique country, home to diverse ethnic groups who have preserved their culture through textiles and traditional crafts. These communities find deep meaning in their traditions, expressing their connection to nature and everyday life through intricate designs – especially in carpets and embroidery.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to see and handle pieces from Nawal’s collection, gaining a tactile sense of these extraordinary textiles and artefacts.

£10 (booking required)