Chalke Valley History Festival kicks off
In a festival first, there are six themes to the talks and displays
The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival launched it's 2023 offering today.
This year’s festival runs from Sunday July 2nd and features a wide-range of high-profile guests.
Gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh, Historian Dan Snow, former Prime Minister John Major and children's author Michael Morpurgo will be among those giving their thoughts and insights into their chosen topics, which fall under one of six themes, in festival first.
Across the festival, visitors will be able to get involved in more than 200 talks, live performances and interactive experiences.
As mentioned earlier, there are six specific themes for this year's festival. 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.