WW2 – Learn more about the Second World War at Chalke History Festival 2025
On 8 May 1945, following Germany’s unconditional surrender, celebrations erupted across Britain and the Allied nations, marking the end of nearly six years of war in Europe.
Chalke History Festival (23–29 June) offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the events that brought the Second World War in Europe to a close.
This year, the festival commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a rich programme of talks, performances, and immersive experiences – honouring the people, stories, and sacrifices that shaped the modern world.
Chalke History Festival has a variety of WW2-related talks, experiences and performances, to interest and inspire everyone from newcomers to Second World War aficionados.
ALL Talks are included in your entrance ticket.
28. The Strategists: Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, Mussolini And Hitler – How The War Made Them, And How They Made War
Phillips Payson O’Brien | 10.15 – 11.15 | Weds, 25 June
29. Two Days In May: Mass Observation And The People’s Victory
Lucy Noakes | 10:30 – 11:15 | Wed, 25 June
39. Hitler’s People: Faces Of The Third Reich
Richard Evans with Peter Caddick-Adams | 15.45 – 16.45 | Weds, 25 June
45. Soviet And Nazi Defectors: Counter-Intelligence In World War II And The Cold War
Nigel West and Paul Beaver | 17:30 – 18:30 | Wed, 25 June
53. Second World War Morning: War In The Far East
James Holland, Phil Craig, Robert Lyman, Saul David, Frank Close, Richard Dannatt, Iain MacGregor | 10:00 – 13:00 | Thu, 26 June
This year’s Second World War Morning explores the war in the Far East, from Southeast Asia and Okinawa to Hiroshima and Korea, examining its impact on independence movements, modern warfare, and global geopolitics. Featuring expert speakers, it promises a powerful and insightful morning of talks and discussion.
86. The Women’s Orchestra Of Auschwitz
Anne Sebba | 11:45 – 12:45 | Fri, 27 June
87. The Nazi Mind: 12 Warnings From History
Laurence Rees | 12:00 – 13:00 | Fri, 27 June
90. Sword: D-Day Baptism Of Fire
Max Hastings | 14:00 – 15:00 | Fri, 27 June
96. Victory ’45: The End of the War in 8 Surrenders
James Holland and Al Murray | 15:45 – 16:45 | Fri, 27 June
117. Allies At War: The Politics Of Defeating Hitler
Tim Bouverie| 12:00 – 13:00 | Sat, 28 June
119. The Second World War: Why We Still Remember
102 year old Veteran Colin Bell with Alex Bescoby, Adam Hart, John-Henry Phillips | 13:00 – 14:00 | Sat, 28 June
129. Berlin ’45
Antony Beevor with James Holland | 17:15 – 18:15 | Sat, 28 June
151. Burma ’45: My Grandfather’s War
Alex Bescoby and Levison Wood | 13:45 – 14:45 | Sun, 29 June
Experiences – some require additional booking
SOE Training Camp – Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00. Book Now
Our hugely popular SOE Training Camp is back for 2024! This unique experience is the perfect opportunity for kids and adults to learn the skills and techniques of espionage from the Second World War.
The Trench Experience – Monday – Sunday. Check programme for details. Book Now
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the Second World War in our immersive Trench Experience.
Performance, Live Music & Living History – included in your entrance ticket
D-Day Darlings
The UK’s premier wartime group, The D-Day Darlings, return to Chalke with their selection of stunning original songs and reimagined arrangements of popular wartime songs, bringing the sound and sentiment of the era up to date. Find out more
History’s Maid
Join historian and performer Dr Kate Vigurs as she brings to life captivating stories of incredible men and women across history, from the tale of a ‘canary’ working in a munitions factory on the home front to the amazing contribution of the Special Operations Executive in 1944. Find out more
The Time Travellers Kitchen
Dig for Victory! The Time Travellers Kitchen continues to travel through British culinary history, this year stopping in 1940 with the introduction of rationing during the Second World War. Find out more
Royal Naval Commandos
Discover the history of the Royal Naval Commandos and their crucial role in major amphibious landings during the Second World War, from intelligence gathering to mine removal. Find out more
The Garrison Artillery Volunteers
Dedicated to rediscovering the technical skills of gunners during the twentieth century. In this thrilling demonstration, the volunteers will show the drills and live firing techniques of the Royal Artillery during the Second World War. Find out more
Join Us At The UK’s Leading History Festival
Entrance and talk tickets are now on sale – click here. Sign up to the Chalke History Festival newsletter here and check chalkefestival.com for updates.
