On Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival transforms into Chalke Confidential, an exclusive after-hours experience where history, current affairs and culture come together. These expert-led sessions offer a unique opportunity to explore the past as a lens on the present, through thought-provoking talks and world-class performances. 

Join star speakers and take the chance to sample our festival fine dining, while soaking up the summer evening vibes at Chalke. 

BOOK NOW – Monday and Tuesday Evening ticket 

Monday – Chalke Confidential  

Monday evening examines the Road to War, from the tensions of the 1920s and 30s to the geopolitical challenges of today, alongside a captivating talk on Marie Antoinette, culminating in a powerful operatic performance of her life. 

Guests who aren’t joining us for dinner, will have the chance to indulge in the intrigue of the Boleyn family or hear from one of the last living Second World War veterans. 

1. The Road to War: 1920s & 30s – James Holland & Anthony Scaramucci – 17.30 — 18.30
2. Marie Antoinette: The Original Cultural Influencer– Alexander Armstrong, Sarah Grant & Catriona Seth – 17.30 — 18.30  
3. The House of Boleyn – Tracy Borman – 18.45 – 19.45 

3b. Bloody Dangerous: The Last First-hand Account from WW2 – Colin Bell – 18.45 – 19.45 

4. The Road to War: 2020s  – Nick Carter & Tom Tugendhat w. James Holland – 20.00 – 21.00 
5. Antonia: Behind the Myth of Marie Antoinette –Performance by the Liberata Collective – 20.00 – 21.00 

Tuesday – Chalke Confidential 

On Tuesday, the focus shifts to revolution, marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with reflections on the original uprising and its modern echoes.

While culture comes in the form of an exploration of Shakespeare and a stirring performance of Macbeth. The middle of the evening will see an uncovering of Cardinal Wolsey’s network of spies and a look at the complicated relationship between wartime leaders – Churchill and De Gaulle. 

6. America 250: The Continuing Revolution: What Next for American Democracy –Anne Applebaum, Sarah Churchwell, Nick Guyatt & JimNaughtie w. Claire Langhamer – 17.30 – 18.30 
7. Within the Wooden O: Stagecraft in the Age of Shakespeare –Daniel Swift & Will Tosh w. Breeze Barrington– 17.30 – 18.30 
8. Churchill & De Gaulle: Allies and Rivals–Tim Bouverie – 18.45 – 19.45 
9. The Cardinal’s Spies: Wolsey, Henry VIII and the Race to Save Christendom – Charlotte Gauthier – 18.45 – 19.30 
10. America 250: The Continuing Revolution: Who Gets to Be American –Anne Applebaum, Sarah Churchwell, Nick Guyatt & Jim Naughtie w. Lucy Noakes – 20.00 – 21.00 
11. The Tragedie of Macbeth – Performance by On Cue Theatre Company – 20.00 – 21.30
    

Across both evenings, Chalke Confidential invites guests to reflect, engage and be inspired – where big ideas meet unforgettable cultural moments. 

Tickets for Monday and Tuesday are only £29, with entry from 4pm.
Join us for what will be a truly remarkable evening. BOOK NOW 

To reserve seats for talks in the Guildhall and Moot, become a member –
for this and many other festival benefits. JOIN HERE