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The live event format of the hugely popular BBC TV series, which takes celebrities on a journey to discover their ancestral roots takes place for a third consecutive year at London’s Olympia from 27 February – 1 March 09. Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE is sponsored by leading social and family history website Ancestry.co.uk and powered by The Times Archive.

Over 21 million British adults have researched family history making genealogy one of the UK’s fastest growing hobbies.

Else Churchill, Genealogist at the Society of Genealogists comments; “I am often asked what has fuelled interest in genealogy. I believe that the rising interest in our family’s past has a great deal to do with curiosity and strengthening our identity. Often people who feel that their ‘today’ is quite uncertain look to their past for reassurance and never has that escapism been more attractive. Genealogy brings families together and this has great appeal in today’s society. It is a little piece of history which is completely personal to you and it is fascinating to learn what your ancestors were up to on a day-to-day basis.”

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE is the largest historical event of its kind and is a one-stop-genealogy-shop with nearly 200 exhibitors all ready and willing to help you research the lives of your ancestors, plus an unprecedented number of archives, record holders and specialist exhibitors, as well as a mix of celebrities from the programme to both inspire and entertain.

What’s on offer?

Celebrity lectures
Ainsley Harriott, Lesley Garrett and Matthew Pinsent will give talks on their experiences and surprising discoveries. There will also be a chance to ask questions about their personal searches.

DNA workshop
Supported by Family Tree DNA Advances in DNA research and the increasing availability of DNA testing and technology has had a huge impact on genealogists research. Although it is a relatively new tool, DNA testing is now used to confirm links where no conventional source record exists.

Military Memorabilia Checkpoint
Bring along your photos, medals and military heirlooms and have then examined by the experts and the curators of the UK’s leading military museums and institutions.

Ask the Experts
Get a 20 minute one-to-one session with an expert. A visit to this area of the show is a must for anyone who is stuck and needs help.

The Society of Genealogists Family History Show
Supported by TheGenealogist.co.uk – this is the place to tap into the expertise from family history societies from across the UK.

Regional Experts Workshop
Pop along and listen to a series of dedicated lectures conducted by regional experts, local historians & family history societies.

Olivier Van Calster, Managing Director of Ancestry.co.uk comments; “The internet has fuelled an unprecedented boom in genealogy, and records that once lived in record offices across the world are now accessible from our homes and fully searchable at the click of a mouse.”

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE attracts newcomers to the subject inspired by the TV programme as well as the more experienced history detectives – all of whom are catered for at the event.

The show will be brimming with well-known historians each offering an insight into moments of our history in workshops as well as one-to-one sessions.

The line up includes leading genealogist Nick Barratt. Nick, a staunch advocate of bringing history to the masses and inventor of the term ‘personal heritage’, will be on hand to pass on tips and advice. Other popular names in the field include Else Churchill, Mike Gandy, John Hanson, Sharon Hintze and Geoff Swinfield plus experts from The National Archives. There will be in-depth information on how to begin exploring personal heritage and advice on the best use of the technology available, as well as a wealth of products and information.

Tickets

Tickets are available through the website www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.co.uk or by calling 0844 412 4629. Advance tickets are priced £18* for adults and £5* for children (aged 6-15). Under 5s go free. *Advance tickets are subject to a £2 fee per transaction. Tickets are available on the door priced £20 for adults and £6 for children.