LATEST NEWS
Chalke History Trust
The charity behind the festival’s mission.
The Chalke History Trust was established in May 2012 by the founders of Chalke History Festival to create a charitable entity that would promote the understanding and enjoyment of history.
The founders believe passionately that it is vital for people of all ages to learn about the past in order to understand how it has shaped our modern world and to look to the future with a knowledge of the experience of past generations and the lessons of history.
The Trust’s subsidiary, Chalke History Festivals Limited, operates the UK’s largest festival devoted to history: the Chalke History Festival. The festival takes place annually at the end of June in an area of outstanding natural beauty ten miles west of Salisbury. The festival offers a unique combination of literary festival and living history entertainment including talks, debates, combat re-enactments and interactive experiences
The Chalke History Festival for Schools provides a wide range of activities for schools, designed to inspire, excite and inform young people, whatever stage they have reached in their school history journey. These include living history displays from across time, a field full of historic items and talks by leading historians on curriculum topics relevant to GCSE and A level.
Our Mission
The aim of the Trust is to promote the understanding, education and enjoyment of history and related subjects to people of all ages across the UK.
The Trust fulfils these objectives by:
- Funding the Chalke History Festival.
- Funding the Chalke History Festival for Schools.
- Funding the Schools Chalke History Hub.
- Funding the Chalke History Club.
- Making grants to schools and history societies – enabling projects and visits to history-related sites and events. Find out more below.
Trustees
Our Trustees
- Peter Bell (Chair)
- The Hon David Bernstein
- Trevor Dolby
- Sian Hansen
- Lady Marland
- Tony Pastor
- Shalina Patel
- Tim Sanderson
- Nick Stickland
- Warren Tucker
Impact stories
13th February 2026
Headline speakers already confirmed as dazzling 2026 lineup takes shape
Set in the heart of the stunning Wiltshire countryside, the Chalke History Festival - the UK’s leading celebration of history – will return from 22nd to 28th June 2026to bring the past vividly to life through a rich programme of top-class talks, wide-ranging discussions, striking performances and dynamic living history experiences.
29th May 2025
After Dark Programme – Evenings at Chalke
We have a packed programme of evening events all week at Chalke for you to enjoy including performances, music, talks, fireside chats and more - even regular performances of Shakespeare's Henry V! Plus, with our luxury dining, glamping and camping options, you never need to leave.
1st May 2025
WW2 – Learn more about the Second World War at Chalke History Festival 2025
WW2 - Learn more about the Second World War at Chalke History Festival 2025
On 8 May 1945 following Germany’s unconditional surrender, celebrations erupted across Britain and the Allied nations, marking the end of nearly six years of war in Europe.
1st April 2025
Pizza Roman-Empire: Archaeologists Unearth World’s First ‘Chariot’ Delivery Service!
Archaeologists in Italy have uncovered a remarkable find near the ancient city of Pompeii – a well-preserved Roman chariot that experts believe may have been used for the world’s first pizza deliveries.
7th March 2025
Chalke History Festival 2025: A Fresh Approach, Bigger Events & Exciting Firsts!
The eagerly anticipated Chalke History Festival returns this summer from 23rd to 29th June, promising an unparalleled celebration of history with a star-studded lineup of world-renowned historians, the nation’s finest living history experts, and an array of household names.
