15 July 2026
"David Olusoga was an inspirational speaker, whose work has made a remarkable contribution to our understanding of Britain’s national story, and its impact around the world"
David Olusoga (Adrian Jackson Photography)
David Olusoga, leading historian, writer, broadcaster and finalist in the hit TV show, Traitors, has delivered the 2026 South Shields Lecture, supported by the University of Sunderland.
The lecture, which was titled In Conversation with David Olusoga OBE, was held at Harton Academy on Lisle Road, South Shields, on Friday 10 July.
During the lecture, David, who is Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester, discussed his experiences growing up in the north-east of England in the 1970s, the profound societal changes our country has undergone since then, and the unprecedented times through which we are living today.
David’s television career has ranged broadly across television programmes such as entitled Black and British: A Forgotten History, The World’s War and A House Through Time. He presented Civilizations and interviewed Barack Obama to coincide with the publication of the ex-US President’s autobiography. And, of course, David’s recent appearance on Traitors has brought him to the attention of a whole new audience.
On returning to his home region for the lecture, David said: “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 South Shields Lecture, which was established in 2001, is organised by former South Shields MP and Foreign Secretary Rt Hon David Miliband. In the intervening years, it has evolved and grown into one of the most important events in the region’s calendar.
Previous speakers at the have included Hillary Clinton, Patrick Stewart, Danny Boyle, James Corden and former Prime Ministers John Major and Tony Blair.
The sponsors of the 2026 lecture are the University of Sunderland along with Colmans of South Shields and Fenwicks.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland said: “We were delighted to support this year’s outstanding South Shields Lecture.
"David Olusoga was an inspirational speaker, whose work has made a remarkable contribution to our understanding of Britain’s national story, and its impact around the world.
“The South Shields Lecture always encourages discussion and debate of major issues in public life. At a time of rapid social and political change, creating this forum for open conversation and the exchange of ideas is more important than ever.”
Entertainment for the evening was provided by South Shields indie rock band Camel Island, featuring two recent music graduates from the University and former Harton pupils – frontman William Gofton and drummer Alexander Lipanov. They played alongside Harton-band, Luminous.