Full programme for Chalke Valley History Festival announced
Tickets for the event this July are now on sale
The Chalke Valley History Festival, which returns to Broad Chalke this summer, has revealed more details about its programme of events.
This year’s festival runs from Monday June 26th to Sunday July 2nd and features guests Gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh, Historian Dan Snow, former Prime Minister John Major and children's author Michael Morpurgo amongst others.
Across the festival, visitors will be able to get involved in more than 200 talks, live performances and interactive experiences.
There's six themes to this year's event as well - for the first time. They are:
ENVIRONMENT - From farming and food production to climate change and the shifting sands of time.
CONFLICT - Warfare throughout the ages from ancient times to Ukraine.
POLITICS - Whether in Ancient Rome or more recent times, the rise and fall of dictators, prime ministers and presidents have shaped and defined our lives.
SCIENCE & EXPLORATION - From inventions to the crossing of oceans and deserts.
SOCIETY & CULTURE - Everyday life through the ages: food, art, literature, music and how the fabric of society evolves.
SPORT - It is a large part of our lives. Here we explore the rich human drama in the evolution of some of our favourite pastimes.
A new 'trench' experience has also been put together, giving people a chance to step back in time for learn more about the experiences for World War Two soldiers, through sights, sounds and even smells!
AFestival Director Jane Pleydell-Bouverie said:
"This festival has something for everyone, from the most serious historian to the casual observer who just wants to soak up the atmosphere and have a good time!"
The themes will be covered in five venues across the festival, with a new for 2023 Stove Tent, a 100-seater round tent featuring a central wood-burning stove.
The festival helps fund the Chalke Valley History Trust, a charity designed to develop the understanding of history amongst all ages, but particularly children, with a two-day schools festival.
There's more about the full festival line-up, and ticket booking on the Chalke Valley History Festival website.