Festival line-up features top actors and historians

Celia Imrie will be among the speakers at the Gloucester History Festival

A film star, historians, comedians and famous broadcasters are among the "thrilling" line up at an upcoming festival.

The Gloucester History Festival, which has been running for 15 years, will hold 52 events in the city between 6 to 21 September.

Actor Celia Imrie, broadcaster Lyse Doucet, and comedian Frank Skinner are confirmed as part of The Blackfriars Talks from the 13 September.

Event tickets are still on sale, with festival president Janina Ramirez stating she "always leaves inspired".

Also among this year's names are A House Through Time presenter David Olusoga, former Conservative MP Michael Heseltine and The Silk Roads author Peter Frankopan.

Festival highlights include star of The Thursday Murder Club movie, Celia Imrie, who will discussing her historical novel Meet Me at Rainbow Corner, which focuses on the women of World War Two.

Joining her through the month will be the former home secretary Alan Johnson on Harold Wilson and leading historian Olivette Otele on her new book African Europeans.

Dating back to 1239, Blackfriars Priory will host talks as part of Gloucester History Festival

The history festival kicks off with Gloucester Day on the 6 September to celebrate the Gloucester Day Parade.

Heritage Open Days, where visitors can enjoy free entry to 100 of the city's historic buildings, will take place from the 12 to the 14 of the month.

Gloucester's medieval Blackfriars Priory will provide the backdrop to The Blackfriars Talks between the 13 and 21 September, which will be livestreamed.

Tickets for the talks can be purchased on the festival website and range from £7 for the livestream and up to £15 for an in-person seat.