The Gloucester History Trust is launching a new digital festival starring Britain's leading historians, broadcasters and authors to keep fans entertained through the coldest months of the year.

The Winter Warmer Digital Festival features 50 online events from the popular Blackfriars Talks with guests including A House Through Time presenter David Olusoga, top historian Michael Wood, Springwatch naturalist Chris Packham, Dr Who and Sherlock star Mark Gatiss, TV chef Tom Kerridge, Richard III author Philippa Langley, Countdown's Susie Dent and BBC Radio 4 hosts Natalie Haynes and Sathnam Sanghera.

The Winter Warmer is a unique collection of compelling events never seen online before such as Jeremy Bowen discussing the making of the modern Middle East, the best of the Festival archive featuring speakers like Dan Snow and Mary Beard, and highlights of the Spring and Autumn 2024 Festivals.

The programme has been specially curated by prize-winning TV presenter, historian and Gloucester History Festival president, Professor Janina Ramirez.

Professor Ramirez said: "I can't wait to share some of my favourite events and speakers with you. Join me in front of the fire, curl up with a hot drink and enjoy the very best of the amazing Gloucester History Festival this winter in the warmth and comfort of your own home."

One of the highlights is TV historian Dan Snow in conversation with Korean War veterans Brian Hamblett and the late Tommy Clough. Brian and Tommy both served with the Glorious Glosters and were captured at the notorious Battle of the Imjin River, spending the following two years as Chinese prisoners of war. Their extraordinary first-hand accounts of the battle are particularly poignant as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

Tickets for the Winter Warmer Digital Festival go on sale on Friday, January 10 and are available online from gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.

The Festival runs from Friday, January 24, until Thursday, March 6, with individual tickets priced at £6 per event or a Winter Warmer pass allowing access to all 50 events at just £30.