THE seven-day Chalke Valley History Festival starts on Monday, June 26.

Taking place in the new location of Church Bottom in Broad Chalke, it runs until July 2.

New speakers to the festival include Chris Patten, Tim Rice, Al Murray, Andrew Marr, Harriet Harman, Richard Dannatt, Ken Clarke and Jenni Murray.

Festival favourites Dan Snow, Don McCullin, Claire Tomlin and Suzannah Lipscomb are all returning speakers.

Veterans attending the event include French holocaust survivor Jacques Altmann and Hitler’s godson, Niklas Frank.

The festival will be marking the 500th anniversary of The Reformation, 200 years since the death of Jane Austen, the 100th anniversary of both The Russian Revolution, and the Battle of Passchendaele, and the 50th anniversary of the release of St Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Living history highlights include archery, sword school, First World War training camps and Second World War artillery in action.

Dress Up Saturday will be returning on July 1 with a party night in the evening.

Air Displays will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, July 1-2.

The Schools Festival programme takes place between Tuesday and Thursday, June 27-29 for Years 6,7, and 8, and on Wednesday, June 28 for Years 10 and 12.

Pop-up talks will also take place throughout the week.

For the full programme and tickets visit cvhf.org.uk