Launched in 2011 as a fundraiser for the local cricket club, the Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival is from June 23 to 27. It is now a week of fascinating talks, discussions and debates, as well as an extensive and immersive living history programme.
On a stunning 70-acre site in Broad Chalke, near Salisbury. this year’s impressive line-up sponsored by Smith & Williamson, part of leading wealth management and professional services group Tilney Smith & Williamson.
This year, the event includes acclaimed international bestselling author Kate Mosse, examining The St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, centenarian Christian Lamb, who worked on secret D-Day invasion maps with Winston Churchill, and distinguished writer and commentator Rana Mitter, considering how WW2 is shaping a new nationalism in China. Award-winning historian Antonia Fraser, former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption, and the Head of the UK’s Armed Forces, General Sir Nick Carter, are also featured.
Lisa Ball, Managing Partner of Smith & Williamson’s Salisbury office, sponsoring the Smith & Williamson tent at the event, said: “The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival is the largest festival in the UK dedicated entirely to history and we are pleased to be a sponsor.
“The variety of talks and events that take place across each of the days will make it an immersive experience and we are thrilled to have it on our doorstep.”
Jane Pleydell-Bouverie, Festival Director, added: “We are so looking forward to welcoming the speakers and our loyal supporters back to the festival. We are hugely grateful for the incredible support from our patrons and sponsors and the team and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to put on the programme in the most challenging of circumstances.”
The festival is at Church Bottom, Broad Chalke, Salisbury SP5 5DP: tickets on sale now on 01722 781133 or visit www.cvhf.org.uk