Years ago, the Society of Genealogists ran an annual event (starting back in 1993) at the Royal Horticultural Halls. Combining forces with the BBC television show Who Do You Think You Are?, the Live! event is probably one of the largest family history gatherings – if not the largest one – in the world. With attendees each year reaching figures of between 12,000 and 15,000, it is an event not to be missed.
Ever since the WDYTYA event began, it has been held at the Olympia Centre in Kensington, London. But this year sees a change from the usual Friday – Sunday…. and starts on Thursday 20 February, running through to Saturday 22 February.
The celebrity theatre includes television personalities Larry Lamb, Dan Snow and Natasha Kaplinsky who will be sharing their experiences of filming the show and uncovering their ancestral stories. But alongside the ‘big names’, which also include many commercial companies, there will be many family history societies manning stands, offering their expertise, knowledge and assistance in various aspects of family, local and social history. And you must not forget, the Society’s workshop of lectures which runs throughout the three-day event – a timetable is available online and also in the printed 2014 WDYTYA? Live Handbook. All sessions are free to attend on the day but you can guarantee your seat by booking in advance (tickets £2 each).
