Here are 13 highlights from an unforgettable week at Chalke History Festival 2024:

1. Record-Breaking Lineup

With over 130 events, including talks, debates, quizzes, and live podcasts, we went BIG. Whether you were here for panel discussions or podcast recordings, this year’s lineup had something for everyone. Household names like James May, Frank Gardner, Sir Max Hastings, and cricket legend David Gower captivated audiences with their talks, while podcasting royalty Dominic Sandbrook, Tom Holland, James Holland, and Al Murray drew huge crowds. Al even treated us to a hilarious stand-up set in support of Finley’s Touch.

2. D-Day 80th Anniversary

Our special WWII morning was a huge hit. With gripping talks and demonstrations marking 80 years since D-Day, it was a chance for us all to reflect on the magnitude of that day, and consider what came before. The packed audiences and record crowds proved that the Second World War still captivates audiences like no other period in history.

3. The Spitfire & Hurricane Flyover

Talk about iconic! Two of the most famous warbirds soared through the skies above Chalke Valley, leaving everyone craning their necks and getting goosebumps. It was fantastic to see the Spitfire and Hurricane swooping over the Chalke Valley once again.

4. Vintage Fairground Fun

Yes, the vintage fairground made a triumphant return, with the big wheel looming large over the Festival site. And let’s be honest – there’s nothing quite like watching a historian whirl around on a Helter Skelter, is there?

5. Young Historians on the Rise

Friday’s spotlight fell on the future of history. Trailblazing women of the past, Ukrainian war stories through art, black British lives, and 18th-century graffiti – we had fresh faces and fresh perspectives. Guided by the inestimable Alice Loxton – names like Francesca Peacock, Tomiwa Owolade, and Honor Cargill-Martin proved that the future of history is in very capable hands.

6. Over 2,000 School Kids in Attendance

Nothing makes us happier than seeing the next generation getting stuck into history. From Roman soldiers to WWII spies, over 2,000 schoolchildren saw history up close and personal. It was a joy to watch history come alive for them – no boring textbooks here!

7. The 2024 News Agenda

Big topics were tackled at Chalke this year, from Ukraine and Afghanistan to the global elections that are shaping our world. With so much unfolding in 2024, our speakers helped break down the historical context of today’s most pressing issues, reminding us all why history matters more than ever.

8. Festival Favourites

Familiar faces like History’s Maid, Major Banger King, and Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History didn’t disappoint. They gave it their all, performing until they were practically hoarse to captivated crowds. If history lectures were always this fun, we’d all be experts by now.

9. Immersive Experiences

From stepping into a 1944 trench to taking part in SOE spy training or trying out our new Wild West experience, this year was packed with immersive experiences that transported festival-goers through time. Whether you were battling on Hill 112 or wielding an axe, these experiences had everyone fully immersed in the action!

10. Ghoulish Guests from Ghosts

BBC’s Ghosts cast treated us to stories of the unexpected! They had the audience in stitches and gave us all an entirely new perspective on living history… or should we say afterlife history?

11. Live Music & ABBA Mania

Move over Glastonbury! Friday night turned into a full-blown festival party as ABBA’s Angels took the stage, getting the crowd up and dancing like never before. The festival vibes reached peak party mode as 1970s disco brought the dancing queens out in us all – honestly, we’re still recovering.

12. Family Fun in the Storystock Tent

This year’s children’s program was bigger and better than ever. The Storystock Tent transformed into a magical space where fantasy met history in the form of interactive storytelling. It was the ultimate hangout for the little ones and we have a sneaky suspicion the adults were hooked too.

13. Sunshine, Smiles, and So Much More

Did we mention the weather? Pretty much perfect sunshine all week long! Thank you, 2024—everything was shining, including the smiles on every single face.
So, to everyone who made it out to Chalke History Festival 2024 – thank you for making it an epic year to remember! And for those who couldn’t make it? There’s always next year… roll on 2025!