Over the past decade or so, the Chalke History Festival has firmly established itself as one of the must-attend events of the year, with its mixture of talks, performance, living history and all the elements that the best English summer festivals should have: eye-catching tents, delicious food and drink, camping under the stars and an absolutely magical atmosphere.
This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best one yet, with a diverse range of activities and experiences that will appeal to both history buffs and casual visitors alike.
In a year that marks the 80th anniversary since D-Day, the team behind the festival is keen to shift the dial and make it an even more dynamic hub for the very best, most inspiring, thought-provoking and intellectually challenging thinking about the past.
The aim is to bring together the most passionate minds in academic historical investigation and debate.
By re-examining history through fresh perspectives, and by re-living history through its sights, sounds, challenges and experiences, the hope is that visitors will draw inspiration, by reminding themselves of their origins, enlightening the present and the possibilities of the future.
Details of this year’s Chalke History Festival are gradually being revealed. If history podcasts are your thing, then you are in for a treat this year as two of the UK’s most successful programmes will be recorded in front of a live audience.
Podcast royalty Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook will be bringing The Rest is History - the most downloaded history podcast in the world, and the top history podcast in the UK as well as the US - to Church Bottom where they will be sharing their incredible historical knowledge with their usual wit and camaraderie.
Second World War aficionados James Holland and Al Murray will be also hosting an episode of their popular We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast.
For the first time this year, early bird weekly tickets - which give a reduced rate if bought for the whole seven days - have gone on sale. Booking for camping (for those who wish to bring their own tent or motorhome), and glamping (for those who prefer a little more comfort), is also now available via the festival’s new website.
Another first for 2024 sees students being able to purchase half-price weekly tickets, with a further reduction on the price for camping as well.
Go to programme.chalkefestival.com for more.
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