THE Chalke Valley History celebrated its tenth year with a bumper programme of speakers and events.

The line-up featured an outdoor programme of events, panel discussions, live podcasts, living history, live music, as well as a vintage fairground.

The events held at Church Bottom in Broad Chalke were spread across two big marquees, with socially-distanced seating, and two brand new amphitheatre-style outdoor stages.

History was brought to life in the historical encampment that took visitors on a journey back through time from the Stone Age right through to the Second World War.

Visitors were able to meet Romans and also see gladiators in action as they demonstrated their fighting skills.

And younger visitors could also take part in sword school or be put through their paces in the Second World War Soldier School.

Al Murray and James Holland staged a ‘live’ episode of their popular podcast ‘We Have Ways of Making You Talk’.

Guest speakers, to name just a few, included historian and TV presenter Dan Snow, playwright Sir Tom Stoppard and Patricia and Jean Owtram who are possibly the only living sisters to have signed the wartime Official Secrets Act.

Festival director Jane Pleydell-Bouverie said: “We are absolutely delighted that we were able to go ahead with the Chalke Valley History Festival last week and that the response from both participants and festival-goers has been ecstatic.

“We would like to thank Wiltshire Council for helping us adhere to all Covid-related guidelines, our invaluable funders (both private and corporate), and our wonderful team which rose to meet every challenge which surfaced.

“We are especially grateful to the amazing volunteers without whom it would be impossible to mount a festival on such a scale.

“It was the tenth Chalk Valley History Festival and many have said it was the best ever.”

It ran from Wednesday, June 23 until Sunday (June 24).

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