What you need to know for Chalke History Festival

Bringing everything from living history exhibits to traditional crafts and a soldier's march, the week-long Chalke History Festival kicks off again later.

Running from 23 to 29 June it incorporates more than 175 experts, including big names like Kevin McCloud, Al Murray, Michael Palin and Ian Hislop.

The exhibits and displays increase as the week goes on, including the chance to see armoured combat, all from a working farm in Broad Chalke, deep in the Wiltshire countryside near Salisbury.

Gates open at 16:15 BST on Monday and Tuesday, and 09:15 BST the rest of the week.

From talks, living history and hands-on experiences to live music, children's activities and vivacious historians - organisers say there is something for everyone.

There are also some new features this year, including a speakers tent that hosts 900 people and a new After Dark programme in a tent appropriately named 'The Henge' for its Wiltshire location.

Here visitors will find music, but also speakers on monsters and magic.

There are 158 events in the main programme altogether.

With four places for talks, they often happen simultaneously and range from ancient to modern history. Followers of history podcasts will recognise Tom Holland, while avid readers of historical fiction will recognise names like Kate Mosse and Tracy Borman.

There will also be Romans meeting World War Two soldiers in the living history, where people can see anything from smelting to cooking and combat.

There are also numerous food and shopping stalls.

The site is along Bury Lane in Broad Chalke near Salisbury, and its narrow roads means there is a one-way system in place.

Organisers recommend allowing extra time for those driving and following the signs to the festival rather than a SatNav.

The nearest railway station is Salisbury and it is about a 45 minute drive from there.

The number 29 bus has the nearest stop - at the church - leaving a third of a mile walk to the festival. It does not run on the Sunday however.

Previous visitors will notice a change in the way tickets are issued this year.

Instead of being for individual talks or just for going onto the site itself, they include everything except some extras like the wild west experiences.

There are day, evening, weekend and full week tickets, with the weekend usually the busiest.

While a whole week pass is £200, evening tickets (for after 16:15 BST on weekdays) are £29 and full day tickets are £58. There are discounts for students and children can get in free.

Tickets are available online with some available on the day subject to availability, with camping and glamping an option too.

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