The Chelsea History Festival is returning next month for the fourth year running with a programme of events and talks from renowned speakers and authors.
The festival, which runs from 17 to 25 September, is hosted by the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and the area’s Physic Garden, with talks held in a number of venues throughout west London.
Although primarily a history festival, this year’s programme sees a number of topical events, including a talk by journalist and author Anna Reid on the history of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, formerly Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, will share his perspective on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Other historical highlights include talks to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the 75th anniversary of the Partition of India.
Cultural anniversaries being marked by the festival include 40 years since the publication of Sir Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling novel, War Horse, and the centenary of the BBC.
The festival is also offering a number of interactive events, including ‘History Street’, an immersive experience in Burton Court where the city of London’s past will be brought to life.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea, meanwhile, will opens its doors and offer public tours led by the Chelsea Pensioners.
The nearby Physic Garden (the oldest botantic garden in the city) is also running two open door days, while the National Army Museum is hosting a series of live performances aimed at young families.
Founded in 2019, the Chelsea History Festival aims to ‘entertain, educate and inspire through local, national and global history’, according to its website.
Justin Maciejewski, director of the National Army Museum, one of the festival’s partners, said: ‘History is not only fascinating, popular and fun but it really matters if we want to truly understand the adventures of our forebears, our world today and our place within it.’
‘Come to the Chelsea History Festival with family and friends and be entertained, enriched, and inspired by our past. There truly is something for everyone,’ Maciejewski added.
More information about this year’s programme and tickets is available at the festival’s website.
