CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Welcome! We’ve curated an array of exciting experiences that promise
to ignite your child’s curiosity and fascination with the past.
The 2025 Programme will be announced in advance of the festival.
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2024 Programme
Create lasting memories with your family while exploring the wonders of the past.
Here’s what awaits your little historians:
Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises: Step into a world of wonder and imagination at the Storystock tent! Filled with captivating tales and interactive storytelling sessions, this enchanting space is where history meets fantasy. Let your child’s imagination run wild!
Living History Programme and Performers: Watch history come to life before your eyes with our living history programme and talented performers. From medieval knights to ancient civilizations, children will be transported back in time as they witness reenactments and demonstrations of historical events and everyday life.
Talks for Children: Engage young minds with thought-provoking talks tailored specifically for children. Our lineup of speakers will cover a diverse range of topics, making learning about history fun and accessible for kids of all ages.
Exciting Experiences: Experience firsthand the sights, sounds, and sensations of different historical eras with our experiences. Whether it’s exploring a World War Two trench or being transported to the Victorian ‘Wild West,’ there’s something for every adventurous spirit.
STORYSTOCK CHILDREN’S TENT OF SURPRISES
Sponsored by Chafyn Grove School.
Follow @storystockcircus www.storystock.co.uk
All activities included in day ticket price.
Roll Roll up! Storystock’s travelling circus of stories brings a world of stories to life! Bring along your imagination and let us do the rest. Most activities will be on Saturday and Sunday, below is just a taste of what’s on offer for your little ones.
Step right up and enter the whimsical world of The Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises! Here is a taste of what will be on offer on Saturday and Sunday.
MARTIN BROWN – HORRIBLE HISTORIES AND DEADLY DRAWING
Author Talk (Age 7+)
Join us in the Storystock Tent for an unforgettable experience filled with horror, hilarity, and Martin’s own peculiar brand of magic as he delves into the fascinating world of THE ROMANS.
FOUR HUBS OF HISTORY
Drop in at Tabitha Grove’s Four Hubs of History, where children of all ages can explore, create, and learn through exciting hands-on activities.
Embark on a journey through the ages as you try your hand at Tudor neck ruff making, a Victorian love puzzle purse, a Medieval wall hanging, or even your very own Zoetrope Movie!
AMY JEFFS – STORYLAND – MYTHS AND LEGENDS IN BRITAIN
Author Talk (Age 7+)
An enchantingly medieval masterclass in storytelling with best-selling author Amy Jeffs
Join Amy to learn about the ancient art of storytelling, diving into magical myths and lost legends of Britain – with insights into how certain tales have become key to British mythological history!
A RACE IN TIME SHOW
Enjoy a fully immersive show full of fun from History Heroes. Boudica and Einstein need your help to get them round the live game show. They will be calling in lifelines from the audience, phone a friend, and 50/50. Only YOU can help them. Suitable for all the family.
BLUE PLAQUES TALK BACK
Talk and Workshop (Age 7+)
From Bob Marley to Isaac Newton we delve deep into the history of Blue Plaques as portals into another time. We will be creating the Chalke Blue Plaque Wall which we will add to throughout the festival with names of your choice.
The Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises is full of stories, dressing up and hands-on activities for children and families. Drop in throughout the day and get stuck into history. Here is a taste of what will be on offer Monday to Friday.
THE LITTLE HISTORIANS MAGAZINE
The Little Historians Magazine offers a fun and hands on workshop to learn more about history and reading in a different way. You’ll even get the chance to take home your very own handmade magazine.
THE WONDER PODCAST FOR CURIOUS KIDS
Camilla Akers-Douglas and Henrietta McMicking from The Wonder Podcast For Curious Kids will be running a hands-on workshop delving into the world of podcasting.
STORYSTOCK CIRCUS OF STORIES
Roll up for a sneak preview of what’s on for families at Chalke during the weekend with the Storystock Circus of Stories. From doodling tables to dress up, there is something for all the family.
PERFORMANCES
All activities included in day ticket price.
From storytelling and SOE to puppetry and pistol-duels, this is history at its most engaging and entertaining.
Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History (All Week)
An old-time circus sideshow where the stars are the props and extraordinary stories. Colourful? Yes. Educational? Certainly. Rip-roaring? Absolutely!
Major Banger King (All Week)
Let us introduce to you the most remarkable officer that you’ve never heard of: Major BANGER King. Who do you need when the situation is desperate? BANGER!
History’s Maid (All Week)
Dr Kate Vigurs, a captivating performer and history academic, will be joining us throughout the week to share astonishing stories from history.
Foreign Field (All Week)
Foreign Field will be demonstrating martial skills, dark crimes and hidden heroics in a mix of history that stretches from the Middle Ages to the Second World War.
Rattlebox Theatre (Tues – Sun)
Rattlebox Theatre’s adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon epic ‘Beowulf’ will tell the tale through puppetry, and an evocative live soundtrack from early music maestro Steve Tyler.
LIVING HISTORY
All activities included in day ticket price.
All our living history displays and demonstrations will be accessible for children and families allowing children to experience history in a meaningful and memorable way.
Historic Equitation
We are thrilled to be joined by Historic Equitation and their spectacular horsemanship of the 17th century. Don’t miss their showstopping arena display on Saturday and Sunday!
Building Houses in the Iron Age
Based in our Iron Age round house, Caroline Nicolay will be demonstrating Iron Age daily life and traditional construction methods.
The Time Travellers Kitchen
Could 14th-century pie ovens have been the first food delivery services? And how did a small bakery destroy half of London?
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A Merrie Noyse
We’ll be transported back to the Tudor and Elizabethan courts as A Merrie Noyse entertain us with historic music and dance.
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Museum Row
A number of our museum row stands will have interactive activities available for children and families including the Mary Rose Museum, the Royal Signals Museum and the Napoleonic and Revolutionary War Graves Charity.
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TALKS FOR CHILDREN
All children’s talks below are included in your day ticket.
THE BIG BOOK OF HISTORY
Lisa Williams
Saturday 29th June 11:00 (45 Min)
Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises
From Stonehenge and the summer solstice to Mary Queen of Scots and Banksy it is all going on in this involving and immersive talk/workshop taking us on a whistle stop tour of the UK with author and historian Lisa Williams.
THE WAR OF THE HEAVENLY HORSES
Roly Chambers
Saturday 29th June 14:00 (45 Min)
Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises
Join Roly Chambers as he talks about his new book – expect Darwin, a giant tortoise, a shaman, and a Chinese battlefield where a war is being waged for a herd of legendary horses. History with a strong dose of magic. Suitable for ages 8+
CITY OF SPIES
Iszi Lawrence
Sunday 30th June 11:00 (45 Min)
Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises
From the new voice of historical fiction, join Iszi as she brings to life a world of rebels, soldiers and spies in the American Revolutionary War. You’ll be on the edge of your seat in this fascinating and funny talk. Suitable for ages 8+
HORRIBLE HISTORIES AND DEADLY DRAWING
Martin Brown
Sunday 30th June 12:00 (45 Min)
Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises
Horrible Histories and Martin Brown need no introduction, so don’t miss Martin up close and personal as adds his own peculiar magic to the Romans! This event will fill you with horror and hilarity. Suitable for ages 7+
STORYLAND – MYTHS AND LEGENDS IN BRITAIN
Amy Jeffs
Sunday 30th June 14:00 (45 Min)
Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises
An enchantingly medieval masterclass in storytelling with best-selling author Amy Jeffs
Join Amy to learn about the ancient art of storytelling, diving into magical myths and lost legends of Britain – with insights into how certain tales have become key to British mythological history! Amy will show how the past is shaped by made-up stories, as well as true ones, and how understanding both is key to experiencing a really exciting history. At the end of the workshop, children will be able to harness the magic and adventure of the past and spin a tale as old as time.
EXPERIENCES – ADD-ON TO DAY TICKETS
Purchased separately, experience tickets are additional to your day tickets.
THE TRENCH
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the Second World War in our immersive Trench Experience.
SOE TRAINING CAMP
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.
HISTORIC FAIRGROUND
The historic fairground will be returning to Chalke History Festival! Step back in time and enjoy a ride on the Big Wheel and the Helter Skelter from Downs’ Traditional Steam Fair.
SOLDIER SCHOOL
Perfectly tailored for younger children, this engaging and educational experience provides youngsters with a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a World War II soldier.
THE VICTORIAN ‘WILD WEST’ EXPERIENCE
Let us transport you to the Victorian ‘Wild West’ with our Sword School, Have-a-Go Archery, Tomahawk Axe Throwing and the Wild West Shooting Range!
