Actor Tony Robinson brought the magic of Blackadder's Baldrick to the official reception for the 2017 Gloucester History Festival on Saturday night.

More than 50 guests joined him at the event at the city's Blackfriars, hosted by History Festival president Dr Janina Ramirez and Gloucester MP Richard Graham, who helped create the successful event.

Richard Graham MP said this year's Gloucester History Festival - second biggest in the country for the range of events taking place- was proving an overwhelming success.

"The History Festival has been going for seven years and has become better and better and more creative," he said. But it could not happen without the people, organisations and businesses who support it.

"Culture is leaping ahead in Gloucester," said Mr Graham.

Tony Robinson later gave a fascinating and passionate talk to a sell-out audience at Blackfriars about his stage and TV work on programmes like Blackadder and Time Team and his overwhelming love of history.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Ken Clarke gave his forthright and often witty views on British politics in a talk on Sunday night. He served under four Prime Ministers but held the highest regard for Margaret Thatcher.

The Gloucester History Festival continues until Sunday, September 17 with a packed and varied programme offering something for everyone.

TV's Countryfile presenter Anita Rani, who made a moving journey into her family's Indian heritage in the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are, will talk about India's partition on its 70th anniversary (September 16).

Ever-popular TV broadcaster Dan Snow will present a rare chance to see his podcast Dan Snow's History Hit on September 14.

Politician turned historian Roy Hattersley will reveal the fascinating story of the Catholics in Britain from before the Reformation to the present day as explored in his new best-selling book (September 13).

The packed programme at Gloucester History Festival (with many events free) also includes City Voices (September 2-17): Events in stunning locations across the city with historical and community talks, musical events and concerts, hands-on workshops, family shows including storytelling, nature trails and pop up activities

Paddy O'Connell from BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House will talk about Capt. Jerry Roberts, one of the greatest codebreakers at Bletchley Park who helped win the Second World War (September 15).

The History Festival is breaking new ground with the first public event for Shaun Greenhalgh, one of the world's greatest art forgers who fooled many of the experts. He will discuss the forger's skills with Sunday Times art critic Waldemar Januszczak (September 16)

And fans of Radio 4's serial about country folk, The Archers, are in for a treat. Actor Barry Farrimond who plays the character Ed Grundy, agricultural story editor Graham Harvey and writer Joanna Toye will talk about the world's longest running radio soap opera (September 12).

Value day passes are available Monday to Friday for the Blackfriars Talks and start from just £15 for a whole day's events.

For further details about the festival and to book tickets visit www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk  call the box office on 01452 396572 or visit the Tourist Information Centre at 28 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2DP.