Weekend Activity for Kids at Chalke Valley History Festival
While this year’s festival has something for everyone, our weekend programme is bursting with amazing events and experiences to grab the attention of children of all ages. Here are some ideas to ensure your kids have an unforgettable time this weekend in Broad Chalke.
Sword School
Always a festival favourite, the clashing of shields and swords and cries of delight from the Sword School has become a indelible part of CVHF. Sessions are available for both adults and children – but only eight can be bought in any one session – so for the chance to hone the art of Middle Age fighting, book today! £11 per person
History Tellers
The gloriously entertaining and enormously fun double-act of Mr Abs and Mr Alex have once again been capturing the imaginations of festival goers this year and their unique retellings of history’s most rip-roaring tales will be a highlight this weekend. Whether your children want to gasp at the story of a Victorian Jonah being by a whale or chuckle at the farcical antics of Edwardian motor racers, don’t miss the opportunity to see this duo at some point.
Children’s Creative History Tent
If you are bringing children down to the festival, the Children’s Creative Tent could be a perfect oasis for your kids during the busy weekend schedule. They will all be entertained and educated for an hour, making friends with other children whilst engaging in an eclectic mix of activities from fan making to espionage. Book them in online, then when you are here, sign your children up 15 minutes before the sessions begins and then check them in and drop them off where they will be looked after by a group of teachers. Pick them up an hour later after you’ve enjoyed the sights or attended a talk. Simple.
CVHF Airshow
The dazzling aerial acrobatics of some of the most beautiful and iconic aircraft from WWII is capable of captivating the hearts of festival goers young and old. With the weather set fair, this is rare chance to clasp your eyes on Hurricanes and Mustangs whistling through the Wiltshire skies.
CVHF 2017: Air Show Promo from Chalke Valley History Trust on Vimeo.
Living History
As always, all our living historians will be putting on a dazzling array of demonstrations and displays, including some of the following highlights:
Experience the Iron Age: An amazing opportunity to experience a Celtic Iron Age encampment plus activities, including Celtic wheat grinding, cookery and daily life.
Experience The Vikings: An exclusive chance this weekend to see the Early Medieval Vikings and Anglo-Saxon encampment. Everything from skill at arms to Norman siege techniques and weaponry as well as special activities for ‘Kiddie Vikes’ all weekend.
Steam Engines and Vintage Tractors: Richard Pocock will be bringing his stunning fully-working steam traction engine, as well as two Ford Model Ts, a Lend Lease Tractor and wartime Fordson tractor.
‘Life in the Saddle’: Winston Churchill and his Horses. Brough Scott
This talk from Brough Scott, a former jockey and acclaimed writer and broadcaster, will shed light on Winston Churchill’s life-long love of horses and his detailing of Churchill’s great obsession promises to be a gripping event for all the family.
Delicious food
In between talks and events, you will be able to feast on various food and drink outlets scattered around the stunning festival site. There’s something for everyone, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, so you won’t go hungry over the weekend!
And much, much more….
For details on everything else going on this weekend, check out our website for the latest news and updates on this exciting weekend of history!
