Dudley History Festival returns for 2025

Dudley libraries and the Archives and Local History Service will again be staging the Dudley History Festival from 11-31 October.

A stellar line-up of speakers and topics includes well-known historian and author Professor Carl Chinn MBE giving an illustrated talk about Birmingham’s real peaky blinders. Taking place at Dudley Library on Friday 17 October at 1.30pm, Professor Chinn will reveal stories about the petty criminals – some of them his ancestors – who roamed the city’s back streets in the 1890s and early twentieth century.

Striking a different note at Brierley Hill Library at 11am on the same day, ‘Busketeers’ Billy Spakemon and Tim Martin will perform a show containing stories, songs of the region and singalongs – with audience participation actively encouraged.

A packed programme of events over the two week period includes a virtual talk by Andrew Homer entitled ‘Haunted Dudley’ at Halesowen Library on Tuesday 14 October at 7pm; Mary Bodfish speaking about ‘Cavalier Dogs and Roundhead Rogues’ at Long Lane Library on Wednesday 22 October at 1030am; Damian Carter’s ‘Vile Victorians’ at Gornal Library on Wednesday 15 October at 7pm and David Bardell and Mick Byrne relating stories about men awarded the Victoria Cross and animals awarded the Dickin Medal at Stourbridge Library on Tuesday 14 October at 2 pm.

Of interest to art lovers is Brendan Clifford discussing JMW Turner’s visit to Dudley and the Black Country at Dudley Library on Tuesday 14 October at 2pm.

Brendan will also be talking about Birmingham artist David Cox at Wordsley Library on Tuesday 21 October at 2pm.

“We’ve produced a brochure that details all the events,” said GLL library manager Sharon Whitehouse.

“As well as at least one talk happening every day except Sunday, we’re holding a Local History Day at the Archives and Local History Service on Saturday 18 October from 10am to 3pm.

“We're also hosting a Black Country Society Exhibition about the first and last days of steam in Dudley at the Dudley Archives from 11 October to Saturday 20 December. “All the events are free, and light refreshments will be available.”

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs Dudley’s libraries and archive centre on behalf of the council.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "The Dudley libraries History Festival is a fantastic celebration of our borough’s rich heritage, bringing together stories, people and places that have shaped our local identity.

"With over 30 engaging talks, exhibitions, and special events, there’s something for everyone—whether you're passionate about local history, art, or simply curious to learn more.

"I’m especially proud to see our libraries and archives at the heart of this month-long programme, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to connect with Dudley’s past in meaningful and inspiring ways."

The full listed of events can be viewed here.