FISHERTON History Society is holding its first festival which starts on Thursday.

A Festival of Salisbury History takes place at venues across the city.

Organiser, Councillor Frogg Moody said:“This is one of the most exciting local history events that I have been involved in. I am proud to be associated with everyone taking part and the research they have conducted is simply outstanding.

“The Salisbury public are in for a real treat.”

The festival gets started on Thursday, August 23 with researcher and writer Ruby Viorino who will present her talk, The Concise History of Highwaymen at The Duke of York in York Road, 7.30pm. Free entry.

This will be followed by Monocled Murderer? The Retrial of Percy Toplis by History At Large on Friday, August 24 at the Old Oak Court, The Guildhall, Salisbury, 7.30pm. Audiences can listen to all the evidence in the mock trial of Percy Toplis (aka The Monocled Mutineer) for the murder of Salisbury taxi driver, Sidney Spicer on April 25, 1920.

On August 25, five speakers each give a helping of Salisbury history, including John Abbott on Fisherton Street Remembered - looking backwards at Fisherton Street from the 1960s; Matt Pike presents Stonehenge and the man who bought it. Who owns Stonehenge and why?; researchers Jodie Scott and Spencer Mulholland unleash their findings on Salisbury Gas Works & the Demolition of the Last Gas Holder, and local film historian Neil Leacy presents Salisbury in Old Film. Old Days in New Sarum is at the United Reformed Church in Fisherton Street from 1.30pm-6pm. It is in aid of the Mayor’s Appeal.

Following on the Sunday is A Century of Memories: Salisbury in the First World War at the United Reformed Church from 1.30pm-6pm.

Talks will explore the role of women nationally, and in Salisbury, during the Great War; conscious objectors both national and locally; and Salisbury and the surrounding district after armistice was declared.

Military Historian George Fleming gives us, ‘Will 100,000 Women Respond’ – which explores the role of woman nationally, and in Salisbury during the Great War. Ken Smith explores the little known subject of Conscientious Objectors both nationally and locally, Nick Walker will present his documentary that charts the fate of his Great Grandfather, Ernest Collins and Ruth Butler will be presenting ‘Salisbury: peace and aftermath’ which looks at the city and surrounding district as the armistice is declared and beyond.This event is in aid of the Poppy appeal.

On Bank Holiday Monday (August 27), Timezone Tours will be giving guided walks looking at Salisbury’s historical pubs from 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm. There is no need to book.

Tickets for the events are available from Salisbury Information Centre in Fish Row or by calling 01722 342860.