David Olusoga OBE set to deliver David Miliband’s 2026 South Shields Lecture
The South Shields Lecture is set to return for 2026.
David Miliband has announced that the 2026 South Shields Lecture will be delivered by David Olusoga OBE, a leading historian, writer, broadcasters and Celebrity Traitors finalist.
The lecture, which will be the 16th in the series that started in 2001, will be hosted at Harton Academy on Friday, July 10 - starting at 6pm.
David follows in the footsteps of previous speakers such as Hillary Clinton, Danny Boyle, James Cordon, Tony Blair, and more.
Having been appointed as a Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester, David was described as an expert on military history, empire, race and slavery, and "one of the UK's foremost historians".
His television career has ranged broadly, including a tv series entitled Black and British: A Forgotten History, The World’s War and A House Through Time, which featured a home in Newcastle.
The 56-year-old’s recent appearance on BBC’s hit show ‘The Traitors’ has also brought him to the attention of new audiences.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 South Shields Lecture, David Miliband said: “David Olusoga is not just a world-renowned historian. He is someone committed to learning from history and explaining its relevance to the contemporary world.
“His voice is passionate and insightful, bringing humanity as well as learning to the topics that interest him.
“These qualities - and his childhood in Gateshead - made him a natural for the South Shields Lecture.
“David Olusoga brings his distinctive British-Nigerian identity to bear on the big questions of our time.
“South Shields knows the benefits of global connections through the Yemeni, Bangladeshi and other minority communities that have made their home here.
“David Olusoga’s research and television work has made significant contributions to enhance public understanding of Black British History and the legacy of the British Empire. His commitment to make history accessible is more important than ever.
“I look forward to discussing the importance of public understanding of our past, and how our global connections influence our future.”
David Olusoga has expressed his delight at being able to return to the North East to deliver the prestigious lecture.
He commented: “I'm thrilled to be giving this year’s South Shields Lecture and to be returning to my home region.
“The first piece of long-form historical writing I ever produced was a thesis about the history of my hometown of Gateshead.
“The history and the future of the North East - where much of my family still lives - has always been close to my heart.”
The University of Sunderland, Colmans of South Shields and Fenwick are all sponsoring the iconic event.
Tickets for the 2026 South Shields Lecture are free but demand is expected to be high so early application is advised.
Organisers have confirmed that tickets are limited to two per household and priority will be given to those who reside in NE33, NE34 and the SR6 postcodes (the South Shields constituency).
Requests for tickets should be made by email to [email protected].
Those applying must include their name, full address and contact number and the name and address of the other guest who will be attending (if two tickets are requested).
Successful ticket applicants will be advised by the end of April.
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