Chelsea
Wednesday, 9 October 2019 – Sunday, 13 October 2019
Free Admission — £30

It’s no secret that Chelsea and, more specifically, the King’s Road, has an illustrious history. Whether its fashion mavericks like Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant, Mary Shelley and T S Eliot penning world-famous novels, or iconic rock-star residents, such as Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger, Chelsea’s past and present is worthy of celebration.

Which is why the brand-new Chelsea History Festival is much deserved and long overdue. With 35 events spanning five days, from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 October, the event is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebration of history – all set in the heart of Chelsea.

Fittingly, each of the venues is historic. The National Army Museum (an institution telling tales of soldiers who shaped world history), Royal Hospital Chelsea (designed by Sir Christopher Wren and home to living history, the Chelsea Pensioners) and Chelsea Physic Garden (the much-loved botanical oasis founded in 1673), will all bring the past to life through a programme of world-class speakers, historians and performers.

Saturday is tipped to be the principal day, with over 20 scheduled events. Two not to be missed come from headliners, journalist Sonia Purnell and surgeon David Nott OBE. The latter will share his experiences as a surgeon in Aleppo, while the former – Boris Johnson’s biographer – is set to thrill and enthral with a discussion of her New York Times bestseller A Woman of No Importance.

Aside from talks, the diverse programme of free and ticketed events has been designed to inspire, enlighten and entertain visitors from near and far. Other festival highlights include guided walks, marching drills, concerts, the Chelsea Pensioners parade and botanical workshops.

With so much to look forward to already, the festival is set to become a mainstay in the capital’s cultural calendar.

Wednesday 9 October – Sunday 13 October 2019

Tickets are on sale now: £0 – £30, #chelseahistoryfest