HISTORY lovers braved soaring temperatures to flock to the Chalke History Festival with organisers saying attendance matched last year’s record-breaking crowds despite the heatwave.

Around 25,000 people are expected to have attended the seven-day festival, held from June 22 to 28, making it one of the biggest celebrations of history in the UK.

Summer dresses and hats needed. (Picture: Ash Mills)

More than 200 speakers and over 600 living historians and historical interpreters took part in this year’s programme, with audiences packing out events featuring well-known names including Alexander Armstrong, Mary Beard, Antony Beevor, Al Murray, Harriet Walter and Anthony Scaramucci.

James Holland with schoolchildren. (Picture: Martin Cook)

While ice creams, sun hats and parasols became essential accessories, visitors embraced the scorching weather to enjoy talks, demonstrations and spectacular historical recreations.

(Picture: Martin Cook)

Creative director and historian James Holland said: “Chalke is, for me, quite simply the best week of the year.

“This 2026 lineup has been super impressive and packed full of unique events punters just wouldn’t find at any other festival.

“From the Ukraine: The Latest expert panel discussion on the Friday to The Generals Review on our preparedness for war on the Saturday, audiences at the festival were given access to talks that will leave a lasting impression.

“I’d like to thank all our speakers – old friends and new young voices – for battling through the heat to deliver such an incredible, wide-ranging series of talks.”

Living historians by the carousel. (Picture: Ash Mills)

One of the festival’s standout attractions was the reconstruction of an Iron Age Romano-British chariot by the Remaking History team.

The chariot later thundered around the arena pulled by two rare Fell ponies – believed to be the first time native ponies have taken part in such a display for around 2,000 years.

Pupils watch the falconry. (Picture: Graham Smith)

Hundreds also watched a dramatic Iron Age chariot burial ceremony on Saturday evening.

Managing director James Florence said: “It’s been a truly memorable week here at the festival. Despite sweltering conditions, the public has turned out in really impressive numbers and we are thrilled to say that across the seven days we are in line with the record number of 25,000 visitors of 2025.

“This is a huge achievement, and I’d like to thank all our volunteers, and our incredible team of staff, for their hard work in the most challenging of circumstances.”

The Sexton firing. (Picture: Ash Mills)

The festival also welcomed around 3,000 schoolchildren, teachers and home educators for its Schools Festival, giving young people the chance to explore history through talks and hands-on activities.

Next year’s Chalke History Festival will take place from June 21 to 27, 2027.