Last week (20th-26th June 2022) saw the return of The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival which brought a seven-day programme of historical talks, panel discussions, performances, action and music to Broadchalke.

History was brought to life across the festival with an immersive ‘living history’ spanning two millennia integrated throughout the festival site.

There was also a Speakers’ Corner, a Vintage Fairground, historic fast food outlets offering a mouth-watering range of treats and two bars serving drinks throughout the day.

This year’s festival was opened by The Duchess of Cornwall, who visited the site to welcome the new ‘Reading Room’.

The Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading Room is described as a prestigious hub for literary communities around the world which celebrates literature in all its forms. A little bit of history was made that Monday as this marks the very first time that the Reading Room channel has collaborated with a festival.

Closing the week-long celebrations yesterday (Sunday 26th June 2022) was The Restoration Pageant – a recreation of the monarchy and King Charles II in 1660 which featured spectacular Restoration-era horse racing over a specially developed racecourse.

The Chalke Valley History Festival is set to return to Broadchalke from the 26th of June – the 2nd of July 2023.

Keep an eye on the website for more details on next year’s festival and how you can get tickets.