More big names added to Chalke History Festival line-up
For the first time, visitors can buy early bird week-long tickets
More big names have been added to the line-up for this year's Chalke History Festival - the country's biggest event of its kind looking at the past and what we can learn from it.
We're told Broad Chalke will host the 'biggest and best' event yet.
It's a big year for history too, with the 80th anniversary of D-Day being marked, just ahead of the week-long festival from 24th to 30th June.
Organisers say: "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."
Among the famous faces gracing the stages will be James Holland and Al Murray, with their We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast.
TV presenter and Monty Python star Michael Palin will be discussing his biography of his great-uncle Harry, whose life was tragically taken in the First World War.
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.
They join previously announced speakers like former Top Gear host and Wiltshire resident James May; The Rest is History podcast team Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook; Max Hastings and Bettany Hughes.
New additions this year also include performances from Rattlebox Theatre, adapting the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf through beautifully made puppets, and an evocative live soundtrack from early music maestro Steve Tyler.
Changes for ticketing
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.
Students can also get half-price weekly tickets for the first time this year.
The Festival's also looking to boost its number of volunteers on site during the week, with an application process open on their website.