Chelsea History Festival is back! – 24th – 28th September
Taking place in the heart of Chelsea and bringing history to life, Chelsea History Festival offers a wide range of over 80 fantastic events including talks, walking tours, concerts, and family activities – see Greg Jenner waxing lyrical on royals, revolutionaries, divas and dictators, take a walk on the wild side with the Rock’n’Roll Chelsea tour, or explore World War II memoirs with journalist Emily Maitlis.
Further highlights include “Living with Jane Austen” – a timely celebration of Austen’s 250th birthday and her enduring relevance, a debate on the “Icons Who Made Chelsea” where an expert panel will champion local legends from Oscar Wilde to Mary Quant, from Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones to Nigel Waymouth of Granny Takes a Trip fame — and, of course, the 5th Earl Cadogan, whose name is literally built into the fabric of Chelsea. There is a spirited talk on “How Booze Built Britain” a lively pour through the ways alcohol has fuelled, reflected and occasionally rewritten history. Army buffs can step into the world of the “Viking Great Army” – not just raids and helmets, but the gritty, human side of warriors on campaign. Or fast-forward a millennium to the “Tank” – the rumbling, steel-clad invention that forever changed the face of battle. Learn about the extraordinary tale of Josephine Baker — dazzling performer by night, secret agent by… also night. Saving Europe in sequins.
Launched in 2019, the Chelsea History Festival is a celebration of local, national, and global history hosted across the Chelsea Heritage Quarter by the establishments on Royal Hospital Road – the eponymously named Royal Hospital Chelsea, the National Army Museum and the Chelsea Physic Garden.
Cadogan – with its 300-year connection to Chelsea – is the 4th partner of the Heritage Quarter and principal supporter of the event.
For a full programme of events see the Chelsea History Festival website