CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Child friendly activities at the festival
LIVING HISTORY
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.
Particular highlights this year are:
- Medieval Joust (Historic Equitation – weekend only)
- Time Traveller’s Kitchen (Alex Compiani – all week)
- Construction and Colour in the Iron Age (Caroline Nicolay – all week)
MUSEUM ROW
A number of our museum row stands will have interactive activities available for children and families.
Portland Museum (Monday/Tuesday only)
Portland Museum will be sharing the dramatic story of the Earl of Abergavenny, which was shipwrecked off Portland Bill in 1805. Thanks to exciting new digital archiving techniques, you will have the chance to get closer to history with their digital 3D models of objects found at the wreck.
Royal Signals Museum (all week)
The Royal Signals will be demonstrating the full story of communications history from codes to coding, and semaphore to satellites.
Napoleonic and Revolutionary War Graves Charity (all week)
The Napoleonic and Revolutionary War Graves Charity commemorates the legacy of those who fought during the period 1775-1815. Their interactive activities will shed light on their work and the history of the Napoleonic era.
PERFORMANCES
Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History (all week)
Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History is an old-time circus sideshow where the stars are the props and extraordinary stories. It’s all about TIME! Against the clock, Abs ‘Wizzo’ Wisdom brings his excitement for history front and centre to you! Think Heath Robinson meets Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and throw in a generous helping of audience participation and Crystal Maze eccentricity. Colourful? Yes. Educational? Certainly. Rip-roaring? Absolutely!
History’s Maid (all week)
Dr Kate Vigurs, a captivating performer and history academic, will be joining us throughout the week to share astonishing stories from history.
Foreign Field (all week)
Paul Bavill, Rory Ware and Kyle Glover are three hugely talented costumed historical interpreters who 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.
The Edwardian Adventurer: Rt. Hon. Lord Vainen Schuch-Des Forges – Adventurer, Poet, Vagabond (all week)
Hear the amazing stories of how a respected Edwardian Peer of the realm gambled for rubies with Maharajas, chanced his reputation as a Samurai and threw caution to his Man-servant. Never before has such an intrepid Gentleman opened the closet of memory and bared his very soul for ordinary folk, such as you. Experience tales of big game, combat and love, from the furthest reaches of this world, as this larger than life Adventurer tells it all and more.
The Edwardian Adventurer: Rt. Hon. Lord Vainen Schuch-Des Forges – Adventurer, Poet, Vagabond (all week)
TALKS FOR CHILDREN
Purchased separately, experience tickets are additional to your day tickets.
36. THE WOLF GIRL, THE GREEKS AND THE GODS: A TALE OF THE PERSIAN WARS
Tom Holland
Wednesday 28th June 15:45 (60 Min)
Evelyn Partners Tent
“The Persians are coming…” Hearing these words, Gorgo of Sparta is plunged into a dangerous world of vengeful gods and invincible heroes. For a mighty empire threatens Athens, Sparta and all who stand in its path… Calling on the ancient power to transform into a wolf and the blood of Zeus that runs through her veins, Gorgo must lead her nation in one of history’s greatest wars. Multi-award-winning author Tom Holland will boldly weave myth and history in this dramatic tale of Greeks and Gods for all ages.
100. OCCUPATION AND RESISTANCE: WHEN FISHES FLEW AND OTHER TALES
Michael Morpurgo
Saturday 1st July 14:00 (60 Min)
Hiscox Tent
When Fishes Flew, Michael Morpurgo’s stunning novel for all ages, is a gripping tale of heroic wartime exploits as the protagonist uncovers the long-buried story of how her aunt became an unsung hero of the Second World War. In a Chalke Valley History Festival exclusive the nation’s favourite storyteller returns to discuss how his writing career has been shaped by his experiences of growing up in the ruins of post-war London in a family shattered by the conflict.
118. THE LETTER OF THE LAW: AN A – Z OF SURPRISING HISTORIC CRIME
Paul Bavill, Kyle Glover
Sunday 2nd July 10:30 (60 Min)
IPGL Stage – Included in Day Ticket
Join historians Paul Bavill and Kyle Glover in an off-beat look at bizarre and unheard of historic crimes, executions and manhunts, from the unbelievably audacious to the criminally stupid, the horrid to the hysterical. Members of the audience will be called on to delve into the bag of Swag and retrieve a letter of the alphabet that relates to a particular story. Whether you pull out A for Assassination, F for Fraud or O for Organised Crime, prepare to be entertained, informed and surprised.
98. WILLIE, WILLIE, HARRY, STE – LIVE SPECIAL: THE BEST AND WORST OF BRITISH MONARCHS
Charlie Higson, Ian Hislop, Leanda de Lisle, Tom Holland
Saturday 1st July 12:15 (60 Min)
IPGL Stage – Included in day ticket
Comedian, actor and historian Charlie Higson and his special guests will engage in a light-hearted debate about who were the best and worst monarchs in British history. This event will be recorded live for a special episode of Higson’s new podcast, Willie, Willie, Harry, Ste, which looks at all the British monarchs in chronological order from William I to Charles III.
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 World War II in our immersive Trench Experience. This unique experience takes you first hand through the Oosterbeek Perimeter, where the British 1st Airborne valiantly held out with diminishing supplies during the Battle for Arnhem in September 1944. Complete with authentic uniforms, equipment, and props. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience history up close.
SOE TRAINING CAMP
Are your kids ready to become secret agents? Our new for 2023 SOE Training Camp is the perfect opportunity for them to learn the skills and techniques of espionage in a safe and fun environment.
During the camp, children will be put through their paces as they learn unarmed combat, weapon handling, codework, and explosives handling. This is a rare opportunity for kids to learn exciting and unique skills, and it’s perfect for kids who love adventure and espionage. Don’t miss out on this chance to give your kids the ultimate secret agent experience – purchase your tickets today and join us at the SOE Training Camp!
KNIGHT SCHOOL – JUNIOR JOUST
Get ready for some medieval fun with our Junior Joust event. This specially designed event is for kids, and it’s the perfect way for young knights and warrior princesses to experience the thrill of jousting.
During the Junior Joust, kids will have the chance to learn about the history and techniques of jousting, and they’ll even get to participate in a mock joust using padded lances and armour. Our experienced instructors will be on hand to teach kids the basics of jousting and to make sure everyone stays safe.
This is an opportunity for kids to learn about medieval combat and to have a blast with their friends. Don’t miss out on this chance to give your kids the ultimate jousting experience.
KNIGHT SCHOOL – JUNIOR TREBUCHET
Introducing the Junior Trebuchet – combining history and engineering!
During the Junior Trebuchet event, kids will have the chance to learn about the history and physics of medieval trebuchets, and they’ll even get to build and test their own mini trebuchets. Our experienced instructors will be on hand to guide kids through the building process and to teach them about the principles of engineering and physics.
This is a rare opportunity for kids to learn about medieval history and engineering in a fun and hands-on way. Don’t miss out on this chance to give your kids the ultimate trebuchet experience!
KNIGHT SCHOOL – SWORD SCHOOL
Calling all young knights and warrior princesses – are you ready to learn the ancient art of sword fighting? Our Sword School for children is the perfect way to learn the skills and techniques of medieval combat in a safe and fun environment.
Our experienced instructors will teach you the basics of sword handling, footwork, and sparring, all while you have a blast with your friends. You’ll get to see real swords and armour, and you’ll even get to participate in a mock battle.
Perfect for kids who love adventure and history.
KNIGHT SCHOOL – HAVE-A-GO-ARCHERY
Look no further than our have-a-go-archery event for entertainment the whole family can enjoy.
This special event is designed for adults and children, to try their hand at archery. Our experienced instructors will be on hand to teach participants the basics of archery, and they’ll provide all the necessary equipment, including bows, arrows, and targets.
Whether you’re an experienced archer or you’ve never picked up a bow before, our have-a-go-archery event is the perfect way to learn a new skill and have a blast with your family.
CHILDREN’S CREATIVE HISTORY TENT
Purchased separately, experience tickets are additional to your day tickets. Weekend only.
DESIGN A T-SHIRT
Design a T-Shirt based on the theme of the environment and animals. Children can create their own T-Shirt and bring it to life using different coloured vinyls. The colours won’t fade and can be worn time and time again. A fun activity for children which runs for an hour and is supervised by the CVHF art co-ordinator. Children can be left on their own (aged 8+) or stay with a parent (aged 4+).
CREATE A CLAY ORNAMENT
Get down and dirty with nature! Create an ornament by pressing plants and foliage into clay to make an impression. A fun activity for children which runs for an hour and is supervised by the CVHF art co-ordinator. Children can be left on their own (aged 8+) or stay with a parent (aged 4+).
