TALES of Henry VIII, the first Brexiteer, witches in Wales and a Waterloo hero - the 1st Marquis of Anglesey, are being revealed during Bangor's first ever history festival.

Eminent historians, scholars and TV personalities are set to descend on the city for The Four Nations History Festival at Pontio, on Friday, and Saturday, October, 25 - 26.

Led by Bangor University’s School of History, the event also involves Bangor's Storiel museum, Bangor Cathedral and others.

Keynote speakers include Prof David Olusoga, Lucy Worsley OBE, David Starkey CBE. Also among the names taking part are Trevor Fishlock, Dr Marian Gwyn, Professor Chris Williams, Dr David Gwyn and John Keay.

The festival offers a chance to discover how Wales, through its people and industries, made a mark on the national and global stage.

Through stories of individuals, events and corporations the programme, aims to reveal the inter-connectivity of Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England.

Prof Starkey’s talk is on Henry VIII the first Brexitier. Henry's great grandfather hailed from Anglesey and the area has deep Tudor connections.

Queen Victoria’s life and times will be described by Lucy Worsley and Storiel Museum is showing Queen Victoria’s dress, cap and other memorabilia such as a Welsh doll presented to her during her visit.

Prof David Olusoga OBE, a BAFTA winning broadcaster, author and film-maker's talk is talking on Slavery, Empire and Historical Amnesia.

Historian Dr Marian Gwyn follows David's talk with: “Wales and Slavery - Re-knowing and Re-telling.”

The first Marquess of Anglesey, a hero of Waterloo, and his commemorative column, which has stood as a familiar landmark since 1860, are subjects of a talk led by Lord Anglesey, the 8th Marquess of Anglesey.

The slate from Gwynedd roofed the world. Experts will talk about global spin-offs that accrued from the industry, including heritage railways.

John Keay, from Argyll will describe how Everest, the highest mountain in the world was named after a Welshman from Crickhowell.

The Social Reformer, Robert Owen, who founded the Co-operative movement is the subject of the talk by Prof Chris Williams from Cork.

Trevor Fishlock will speak on the philanthropy and courage of the shy and wealthy Davies sisters of Llandinam and Richard Suggett talks on the ‘The Witches of Wales’; the persecution of witches became a shared troubled history in 16th & 17th century Britain.

A panel of experts will discuss the ‘Welsh Princes: from Owain Gwynedd to Owen Glyndŵr’ in Bangor Cathedral, where the first Owain was buried in 1170.

Audiences will also be able to hear about the latest research by Leona Huey and Dr Gary Robinson about internment camps from the Easter uprising of 1916, which transformed Irish history.

Mrs Raj Jones, a Fellow of Bangor University, the driving force behind the festival and its sponsor said: “It will be a first of its kind in Wales and will provide an opportunity to showcase the remarkable heritage and history of this area and of Wales in the context of the bigger picture, both - national and global.

"It will also highlight the interesting and scholarly work being done by Bangor University.”

The festival is community event, welcoming school children, and will include with exhibitors and book sales and signings.

 Mrs Jones added: “The Festival should entertain, inform and enthuse all ages and people should come away thinking, now, I did not know that”.

She added, “My wish is to make this an annual event. There could be no better setting for such a festival than by the shores of the spectacular Menai Straits and in an area steeped in history”.

For the full programme, and details see: http://fournations.bangor.ac.uk/

Please register by email: fournations@bangor.ac.uk or tel. Pontio Box Office: 01248 382828