A STAR-STUDDED line-up will attract thousands of people to a field in the Wessex countryside next week.

The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival will take place in Ebbesbourne Wake, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, from Monday, June 23 to Sunday, June 29.

The programme, which has just been unveiled, includes over 110 top-class literary events for both adults and children, a vast living history through-the-ages encampment, a stunning warbird air show, the Penguin Chalke Valley History Prize, and an expanded Schools Festival.

This year’s dazzling line-up of speakers features an array of household names including: star of Homeland and Band of Brothers’ actor Damian Lewis; comedian and historian Al Murray; Jeremy Paxman; a trio of Snows (Dan, Peter and Jon); Antony Beevor; Max Hastings; evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins; and Ian Hislop.

In addition, the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Michael Gove, will give a talk about his perception of the First World War, the importance of the 100th anniversary and how he believes we should be commemorating that event. And, not to be missed, the hot topic for The Intelligence Squared debate this time is Scottish independence, providing the English public with the only chance to have their vote!

Now in its fourth year, the festival is the largest dedicated entirely to history, and is designed to inspire, excite and inform.

Set in the heart of the beautiful Wessex countryside, 12 miles south-west of Salisbury, it offers a unique blend of talks, discussions and debates, alongside the very best Living History activities around.

James Holland, co-chairman of the festival, said: “We're very fortunate to have so many leading historians coming this summer.

“We’re covering a huge range of historical topics and I’m delighted that so many experts and household names will be joining us.

See cvhf.org.uk for more information.