Gloucester History Festival goes from the mythical Middle Ages to the modern Middle East.

The veteran BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen is among the nation's top historians, broadcasters, actors and public figures set to appear at the Gloucester History Festival Spring Weekend 2024.

As conflict in the Middle East continues to dominate the headlines, the BBC's International Editor will bring his unique insight and decades of experience from frontline reporting to audiences at Gloucester's Blackfriars Priory this month.

Other highlights include Call The Midwife star Stephen McGann in a debate on iconic women in history, Trigger Happy TV's Dom Joly discussing conspiracy theories and acclaimed TV historian Michael Wood on China's greatest poet.

Philippa Langley reveals new evidence about Richard III and the Princes in the Tower while the origins of the Empire are explored by Oxford historian Nandini Das. In total 17 events are taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 April.

Topics range from the 75th anniversary of NATO, Britain's Imperial legacy around the world and the Middle Ages reimagined to the tortured relationship of Tudor sisters Elizabeth I and Mary I.

Festival president Dr Janina Ramirez said: "Creating the Spring Weekend programme has been a real labour of love and I can't wait to welcome everyone to Blackfriars Priory this April.

"Here's to beautiful buildings, inspiring speakers, shedding our winter layers and blossoming into a history-lovers' Spring!'

Meanwhile, festival curator Sarah Smyth says local history buffs are well catered for too.

She said: "In a city that's steeped in history, Mark Turnbull's event 'From Glory to Gloucester' will detail the private life of Charles I including the battle for Cirencester and a panel of Civil War experts will bring to life the dramatic story of the 1643 Siege of Gloucester."

For more information and to book tickets, visit gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk, by phone on 07834 406228 and in person from the festival box office at the Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road GL1 1HP.