Warwick Words History Festival will return to venues across the town this October, marking 20 years since it was first launched.

Running from Monday, October 3 to Sunday 9, the event will include a wide-ranging programme spanning 1,000 years of history from the origins of the British monarchy to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.  

Returning guest speakers include Tracy Borman, Max Hastings, Dan Jones, Adam Rutherford, Charles Spencer and Alison Weir who will be joined by faces new to Warwick Nathen Amin, Anna Keay, Joanne Paul, Helen Rappaport and Emma J Wells. 

The programme also includes a new series of 'Tea Time Talks', in association with the University of Warwick, a Study Day and In and Around Warwick events. 

Festival executive director Helen Meeke said: "In this anniversary year, we are delighted to announce that Warwick Words has been chosen by Warwick District Council as one of its four Creative Partners, and that we have also developed a new collaboration with the UK's largest dedicated history publisher, The History Press.

"We very much look forward to working with the council and The History Press to boost and expand our future festivals."

As the Lord Leycester Hospital is currently closed for restoration, the Festival's main venue this year is Castle Hill Baptist Church.  

Tickets for all events are now on sale either online, www.warwickwords.co.uk or by telephoning the Box Office 01926 33 44 18, or in person at Leamington Spa and Warwick Visitor Information Centres.