Chalke History Festival 2025: A Fresh Approach, Bigger Events & Exciting Firsts!
The eagerly anticipated Chalke History Festival returns this summer from 23rd to 29th June, promising an unparalleled celebration of history with a star-studded lineup of world-renowned historians, the nation’s finest living history experts, and an array of household names.
Chalke History Festival Site
This year, we are introducing an exciting new format, with a stunning site redesign, larger tents, and specially curated spaces designed to engage visitors in more informal and interactive discussions. With the support of our lead partner, Evelyn Partners, the festival is set to be one of the must-attend cultural events of the summer, offering history enthusiasts the chance to learn from some of the most knowledgeable and passionate experts in the field.
A New Experience for 2025
For the first time, our Twilight Talks on Monday and Tuesday evenings will set the stage for the week’s events with stimulating discussions on pivotal historical themes, including revolution, republics, and the decline of liberal democracy, the power struggles of King James I’s court, and a tribute to the literary legacy of Wolf Hall creator Hilary Mantel.
A newly streamlined ticketing system now ensures that festival entry grants access to all talks at no additional cost. Under-16s can attend for free, and early bird pricing is available until the 13th April, making this festival more accessible than ever.
Another exciting addition is our After Dark area, where festival-goers can gather around the fire pit for historical fireside chats in a relaxed atmosphere. With a pop-up bar and an ever-changing lineup of music, readings, and storytelling, this new space provides a perfect opportunity to continue conversations long into the evening under the stars.
Chalke History Festival has a reputation for hosting some of the most distinguished voices in history, and 2025 is no exception. To mark the 10th anniversary of his international bestseller The Silk Roads, Peter Frankopan returns to discuss the book’s enduring impact and reflect on how the world has changed over the past decade. Helen Carr, described by Sathnam Sanghera as ‘one of the most talented and compelling historians of her generation,’ will present her latest work, Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century.
Former Secretary of State for Education and journalist Michael Gove will offer insights into his political career, while Tom Holland, bestselling author and co-host of The Rest is History podcast, will unveil his masterful new translation of Suetonius’ renowned biography of the Caesars. Meanwhile, Anne Sebba will present her powerful and moving account of The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz.
In addition, the festival will mark the 20th anniversary of Kate Mosse’s bestselling novel Labyrinth, exploring its historical backdrop through the lens of the Albigensian ‘Crusade’. For the first time, British designer and broadcaster Kevin McCloud will make an appearance, reflecting on his 25 years as the face of Grand Designs and the significance of preserving Britain’s architectural heritage. Political heavyweight Alan Johnson returns to delve into the career of Harold Wilson, and investigative journalist John Sweeney will provide an explosive account of Vladimir Putin’s poisoning of Alexei Navalny in his latest book, Murder in the Gulag.
Peter Frankopan at Chalke History Festival
Hands-On History Experiences
This year, the Remaking History team will take a deep dive into the gruesome past of execution by reconstructing an 18th-century guillotine. Meanwhile, at the thirteenth-century cutler’s workshop, Tom Timbrell of Heritage Blades and Emma Harrison of Bog Born Crafts will demonstrate traditional smelting and iron refining techniques to produce cutlery. Historian Kate Vigurs will also be on hand to share astonishing stories of SOE’s missing agents.
Evening Entertainment: Live Music at Chalke
On Friday evening, festival-goers can channel their inner Freddie Mercury as Supersonic Queen, one of the UK’s top tribute bands, takes to the stage. This high-energy five-piece band will deliver a dynamic and electrifying set, recreating the magic of Queen’s iconic performances. So, whether you’re dusting off your leather trousers or perfecting your Radio Ga Ga routine, be prepared for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia.
Partying at the Chalke History Festival
Bringing the Past to Life
This year’s festival will transport visitors to the Elizabethan era, with the On Cue Theatre Company presenting workshops and dynamic performances of Henry V. Audiences will experience firsthand how Shakespeare’s players performed with minimal rehearsal, no director, and only their cue scripts to guide them. Meanwhile, Rattlebox Theatre returns with an immersive retelling of The Legends of Robin Hood, blending puppetry, acting, and live medieval music.
Chalke History Festival for Schools
Since its inception, the Chalke History Festival for Schools has welcomed over 21,000 students, making a significant impact on history education. In 2025, the Schools Festival will take place from 23rd to 25th June, offering a curriculum-rich program covering topics such as VE Day, the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, the History of Medicine, Iron Age building techniques, and Empire. Monday is dedicated to primary schools (Years 6-9), Tuesday to secondary schools (Years 10-12), and Wednesday will be a dedicated SEND day, featuring a more relaxed and accessible programme for all ages.
School Children Enjoy the Falconry Display at Chalke History Festival
With a host of new features, a lineup of leading historians, and interactive experiences that bring the past vividly to life, the 2025 Chalke History Festival promises to be an unmissable event. Book your tickets here and immerse yourself in a week-long celebration of history.
Earlybird tickets are now on sale.
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