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.
KIDS GO FREE!
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 
Follow @storystockcircus www.storystock.co.uk
All activities included with your entrance ticket.
Roll Roll up! Storystock’s travelling circus of stories brings a world of stories to life! Bringing history to life through words, pictures, music and poetry – there is something for all the family! Bring along your imagination and let us do the rest. 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 – TRULY TERRIBLE HISTORY OF THE TOILET
Author Talk (Age 7+)
Join Horrible Histories’ Legend Martin Brown as he brings the truly terrible history of the toilet to Chalke. Which king was murdered on the toilet? How did the ancient Romans use pee to clean their clothes? From a stone-age cesspit to the royal flush, learn and draw all you need to know for when you’ve got to go.
PIERS TORDAY – MIDNIGHT TREASURE
Author Talk (Age 8+)
Master storyteller Piers Torday (The Last Wild) takes readers on a thrilling journey through Transylvania in Midnight Treasure, where folklore meets family secrets. Tibor and Roza face vampires, werewolves, and deadly challenges in a race for a treasure beyond gold – uncovering the myths and mysteries of a legendary land.
SINGALONG – HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE
(Age 3+)
The nonsense of nursery rhymes where cows jump over the moon and Humpty Dumpty falls off his wall have their place in history. Come and join in a big singalong to bring back nursery rhymes to children. Inspired by Robert Lacey and Ben Coppin’s re-imagining of Claude Lovat Fraser’s collection of Nursery Rhymes.
MAZ EVANS – FROM MAYA TO CAMELOT
Suitable for all ages.
Embark on a madcap journey with superstar author Maz Evans – from the Maya Underworld, through Ancient Egypt and all the way to Camelot to find Excalibur and save the world. Join in the fun and games and discover ancient myths and Arthurian legend in this hilarious, energetic event.
MAKING MYTHS AND MONSTERS: THE ODYSSEY OF PHOEBE QUILLAM
Author Talk (Age 8+)
Join Annelise Gray as she brings her forthcoming book to Chalke. A mythical timeslip story about family, love, loss and memory, with an epic sea voyage at its heart, inspired by the legend of Odysseus.
THE WONDER PODCAST FOR CURIOUS KIDS
Suitable for all ages.
The Wonder Podcast For Curious Kids will be running a hands-on workshop delving into the world of podcasting. Come along to be part of a live audience as the Wonder Podcast is broadcast to Chalke History Festival. Expect illuminating conversation and intriguing insights.
CHRIS VICK – SHADOW CREATURES
Author Talk (Age 8+)
Shadow Creatures explores the impact of the German invasion on a small community in Norway, and the many acts of resistance by its people. Join Chris as he tells how he has drawn on his family’s stories from World War II and Norwegian myths of the Underjordiske, or ‘shadow creatures’ to explore life under occupation.
A F HARROLD – THE POETRY HOUR
Suitable for all ages.
Poetry on a Postcard – a crazy fun-for-all-the-family poetry show.
A MUSICAL HISTORY OF CARNIVAL
Suitable for all ages.
Join Felix Gibbons and his Percussion ensemble The Rhythm of Life as he brings some of the Carnival of Rio to Chalke Valley. This is a chance to join in with ensemble percussion and move to the Samba beat.
THOMAS HARDING – THE HOUSE ON THE CANAL
Author Talk (Age 8+)
The story of the house where Anne Frank lived charts the changing fortunes of a house over 400 years. This is a fascinating event with author and historian Thomas Harding talking through the life of a house and its occupants and uses over hundreds of years.
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
An old-time circus sideshow where the stars are the props and extraordinary stories. Colourful? Yes. Educational? Certainly. Rip-roaring? Absolutely!
History Maker
Actor, writer, and fight choreographer Adam Schuch-des Forges is transformed into the incomparable Major-General (Dishonourably Discharged), Bishop (De-frocked), Poncenby VainenSchuch-des Forges O. B. E. (Forefeited).
History’s Maid
Dr Kate Vigurs, a captivating performer and history academic, will be joining us throughout the week to share astonishing stories from history.
Foreign Field
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
Back by popular demand! Created by actor and performer Dave Oliver, Rattlebox Theatre brings stories to life through captivating storytelling and dynamic puppetry. In ‘The Legends of Robin Hood’, Rattlebox Theatre bring the legends of Robin Hood to life through dynamic puppetry, colourful acting, and live music on medieval instruments. With comedy and derring-do, this is fun for all ages.
Henry V
On Cue Theatre Company will be bringing Shakespeare to Chalke throughout the festival week with workshops and lively and dynamic performances of Henry V. Be transported back to the Elizabethan period and discover how the Elizabethan players originally performed with minimal rehearsal, no director, and working from cue scripts!
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
Using the latest archaeological and historical research and their own impressive horsemanship skills, Historical Equitation will explore where horses were bred and trained, the role they played in medieval society and conflict, and the armour used in late medieval England.
Building Houses in the Iron Age
Experiential archaeologist and living historian Caroline Nicolay from Pario Gallico will be exploring the history of natural construction, from the ancient methods used in the Iron Age to traditional local techniques.
The Time Travellers Kitchen
Dig for Victory! The Time Travellers Kitchen continues to travel through British culinary history, this year stopping in 1940 with the introduction of rationing during the Second World War.
The Guillotine
Explore the gruesome history of execution as the Remaking History team attempt to recreate an eighteenth-century guillotine. Discover how technology and craftsmanship drastically changed crime and punishment, and witness the guillotine in action!
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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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!
