23 - 29 June 2025 - Broad Chalke, Salisbury

2025 programme

We’ll be making regular updates to the programme as we get nearer to the festival. Sign up to the festival mailing list for all the latest news.

 

A Week long
Celebration
of the Past

Immerse yourself in a lively festival brimming with stimulating talks, engaging panels, and enthralling performances. Delve into interactive historical experiences, from mastering traditional crafts and culinary arts to simulating a soldier's march. Enjoy a variety of sensory activities designed for an unforgettable family journey through history.

2024 chalke themes

SOCIETY

SOCIETY

SOCIETY

Examining the impact of religion, regimes and revolution on the evolution of society, both in Britain and globally, since the dawn of civilisation over six millennia ago.

POLITICS & ECONOMICS

POLITICS & ECONOMICS

POLITICS & ECONOMICS

What are the patterns from history? We explore the dynamic interplay of history, law, economics, and politics in shaping our daily lives and their evolution over time.

CONFLICT

CONFLICT

CONFLICT

Conflict, from tribal skirmishes to global wars, has profoundly impacted lives, nations, and empires throughout national and world history.

OUR LAND, OUR SEA

OUR LAND, OUR SEA

OUR LAND, OUR SEA

Our historical bond with nature, from global weather to wildlife and oceans, teaches vital lessons for navigating these rapidly changing times.

SCIENCE & INNOVATION

SCIENCE & INNOVATION

SCIENCE & INNOVATION

Science and innovation, from the wheel to AI, have crucially shaped human existence – for good and for bad.

EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE

EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE

EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE

Our unyielding quest, from early African migrations to Antarctic expeditions, reflects a pioneering spirit that continuously shapes and inspires our world.

CULTURE & ARTS

CULTURE & ARTS

CULTURE & ARTS

Art, from cave paintings to film, mirrors and evolves with our culture, encompassing music, literature, architecture, and more throughout history.

SPORTS

SPORTS

SPORTS

It's tribal, uniting and thrilling us through cricket, football, and more; sport inspires, motivates, and reflects human endurance and evolution.

SOCIETY

SOCIETY

SOCIETY

Examining the impact of religion, regimes and revolution on the evolution of society, both in Britain and globally, since the dawn of civilisation over six millennia ago.

POLITICS & ECONOMICS

POLITICS & ECONOMICS

POLITICS & ECONOMICS

What are the patterns from history? We explore the dynamic interplay of history, law, economics, and politics in shaping our daily lives and their evolution over time.

CONFLICT

CONFLICT

CONFLICT

Conflict, from tribal skirmishes to global wars, has profoundly impacted lives, nations, and empires throughout national and world history.

OUR LAND, OUR SEA

OUR LAND, OUR SEA

OUR LAND, OUR SEA

Our historical bond with nature, from global weather to wildlife and oceans, teaches vital lessons for navigating these rapidly changing times.

SCIENCE & INNOVATION

SCIENCE & INNOVATION

SCIENCE & INNOVATION

Science and innovation, from the wheel to AI, have crucially shaped human existence – for good and for bad.

EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE

EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE

EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE

Our unyielding quest, from early African migrations to Antarctic expeditions, reflects a pioneering spirit that continuously shapes and inspires our world.

CULTURE & ARTS

CULTURE & ARTS

CULTURE & ARTS

Art, from cave paintings to film, mirrors and evolves with our culture, encompassing music, literature, architecture, and more throughout history.

SPORTS

SPORTS

SPORTS

It's tribal, uniting and thrilling us through cricket, football, and more; sport inspires, motivates, and reflects human endurance and evolution.

Join us for a journey through time.
Be part of a festival that's not just about
learning history but living it!

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