WITCHES are the topic of a series of talks by a historian in Colchester.

Dr Alison Rowlands, head of history at Essex University, will look at what makes a witch and how perceptions have changed over the centuries.

The talks, which begin at Firstsite next week, will examine witches from the 15th century right up to Harry Potter.

Dr Rowlands talks about witches in this video:

There are three talks in the series:

  • Thursday May 2 - The 'Witch' in History: European Witch-Hunts of the 15th to 18th Century.
  • Thursday June 6 - Modern-Day 'Witches' in the Western World from Neo-Pagans to Harry Potter.
  • Thursday July 4 - Witch-Hunts: from McCarthyism to the Case of Kristy Bamu.

All talks start at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 or £3 concessions. Booking is advised.

For more information visit the event website.