The Mayor of Swindon and the leader of Swindon Borough Council were among those who gathered at the Central Library for the launch of the inaugural Swindon-wide History Festival.
Organised by local historian and author Dr Rosa Matheson and a team of fellow historians and history enthusiasts, the festival is set to run throughout September ad feature events ranging from talks and question-and-answer sessions to history boards in public buildings.
The opening event at the Central Library was a 'meet the authors' gathering, featuring Dr Matheson and fellow respected local history writers including Angela Atkinson - author of several books including Secret Swindon and Swindon in 50 Buildings, and local history correspondent with Swindon Link's sister publication The Ink - along with Tim Bryan, Graham Carter, John Chandler, Hannah Dosanjh.
The beginning of the festival was proclaimed by Town Crier Rob Hardy, who said: "'History,' I hear you say! 'What's that all about?' You may well ask, and here in this brand new festival throughout September, to explore and discover just what it is.
"Serious, fun, full of surprises, history is a treasure trove of experience. Here is a chance for younger and older to learn about history and to learn from history."
Dr Matheson said: "We are connecting people, sharing stories, exploring history and making discoveries."
Mayor of Swindon Cllr Neil Hopkins gave a speech highlighting both the fascination of history and the dangers of ignoring it.
"The importance of history," he said, "is that we can learn from what has happened, and we can see the parallels in terms of what has happened in the past, and we look around the world today and we see some quite serious risks out there which people, if they're not careful, will just walk into.
"History can teach us to learn better ways of doing things."
Cllr Hopkins praised D Matheson and the team behind the festival for their hard work.
Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Gary Sumner said: "Swindon is surrounded by history. All the developments that have been coming forward have revealed more and more about what went on in Swindon from prehistoric periods and Roman times.
"It's fascinating to see everything that's around Swindon, and it's important that young people growing up here understand what existed before, and their place in the world.
"As part of some of the archaeological digs we've made sure that sample boxes have been taken round to some of the schools in the areas where these things have been found, so schoolchildren can see what existed before. They can touch Roman pottery, they can hold a piece of jewellery.
"I've always loved history, and Swindon is steeped in it."
Further information about festival events can be found here.
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