Chalke History Festival announces line-up for this summer

Set in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, the UK’s leading celebration of history returns with a packed line-up starting Monday, June 22.

The festival will offer an array of talks, discussions, performances and immersive history experiences.

Newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike can look forward to hearing from an impressive line-up of guests.

Bestselling author and classicist Mary Beard will make her debut at the festival.

Bestselling author and classicist Mary Beard will make her debut. (Image: Caterina Turroni and Lion TV)

Beard will chat with her son Raphael Cormack about family histories and why the deep past really does affect us all.

The festival is also going to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

American journalist Anne Applebaum, radio presenter and journalist James Naughtie, and Simon Jenkins with his book A Short History of America: From Tea Party to Trump will be part of the celebration.

Former White House communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, will be returning to discuss the road to war in the 1920s and 30s, in conversation with James Holland.

Anthony Scaramucci and Living Historians at Chalke History Festival. (Image: Martin Cook)

Elsewhere there will be a naval theme this time, with Thursday’s Second World War Morning focusing on U-boats, convoys and the battle for the maritime supremacy.

Renowned historian N.A.M Rodger will also discuss The Price of Victory: A Naval History of Britain.

The festival, in partnership with Evelyn Partners, will have a streamlined ticketing system, providing access to all talks at no extra cost.

Bookings are already open for the Chalke History Festival for Schools, which will run on the first three days.

Children from primary schools will attend on Monday, June 22, while students from secondary schools will participate on Tuesday, June 23.

SEND pupils, who might prefer a quieter environment, will attend on Wednesday, June 24.

Numerous historians and performance artists have been confirmed, including Ben Kane, Kate Mosse and Kate Vigurs.

The year 2026's line-up also includes the likes of Antony Beevor, who will discuss Rasputin - the enigmatic mystic linked with the Russian Revolution, and Kate Williams, who will speak about her highly-anticipated book Regina: A New History of Women and Power.

The music segment also promises an engaging experience, with The Trouble Notes, Abba’s Angels, D-Day Darlings and The Brass Funkeys set to perform.

Tickets for the full festival day will be available from Wednesday, April 22.

The festival will run from Monday, June 22 to Sunday, June 28 in Church Bottom, Broad Chalke.