Big names added to Chalke History Festival lineup

Over the past decade, the Chalke History Festival has firmly established itself as one of the year's must-attend events. with its mixture of talks, performances, living history and all the elements 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 diverse activities and experiences that will appeal to history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Details of this year’s Chalke History Festival are gradually being revealed.

If history podcasts are your bag, 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 the stunning setting of Church Bottom, where they will be sharing their incredible historical knowledge with their usual wit and camaraderie.

World War Two aficionados James Holland and Al Murray will be hosting an episode of their incredibly popular and entertaining We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast with their usual humour, expert knowledge of the subject and ability to disappear down a historical rabbit hole or two along the way!

Throughout the week, renowned historians and scholars will share their expertise on various topics, providing fascinating insights into many different periods of history.

Journalist and co-presenter of the hugely popular TV series The Grand Tour James May will be making his debut at the Chalke History Festival this summer and will be speaking about his favourite subject, cars.

Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes will be returning to talk about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and, also appearing for the first time, will be the legendary writer, actor, comedian and TV presenter Michael Palin, who will be discussing his biography of his great-uncle Harry whose life was tragically taken in the First World War. Plus, acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and President of the School of Oriental and African Studies Zeinab Badawi will be talking about her new book on the history of Africa.

For the first time this year, early bird weekly tickets - which give a reduced rate if bought for the whole seven days - have just 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.

Volunteers play a vital role in the festival's success, and the organisers are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the team. The application process is now open via the website.