text: Unique insight:CJullian Fellowes, pictured with Downton star Michelle Dockery . Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is to give a unique insight into his inspiration for the period drama at the Chalke Valley History Festival. The stellar bill also includes historian David Starkey, best-selling novelist Kate Mosse, award-winning biographer Claire Tomalin, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Private Eye editor Ian Hislop and Neil MacGregor, who recently announced he is to step down as director of the British Museum. Visitors to the festival, sponsored by the Daily Mail, will also be able to hear first-hand accounts from the last surviving British Dambuster George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, and Battle of Britain fighter pilot Tom Neil. The event attracts more than 30,000 visitors to its idyllic venue in a Wiltshire field. This year it boasts more than 140 speakers, a stunning air show and ‘living history’ re-enactments over seven days – a rapid rise from its humble beginnings when 12 events were held in one tent just five years ago. Festival co-chairman James Holland said: ‘Our festival is the only one of its kind in the UK. There’s so much to see and do.’ This year there will even be a medieval tournament. Away from the clattering of swords, much clamour is expected among Downton fans for tickets to see Lord Fellowes following the announcement that the forthcoming series of the hugely popular drama will be the last. This year’s judges for the festival’s annual competition to find young writers who can bring history to life include Birdsong author Sebastian Faulks, Claire Tomalin and best-selling novelist Charlie Higson. Budding young authors are being asked to submit a first chapter of a historical novel of no more than 1,500 words, and a brief outline of the rest of the proposed novel of up to 500 words, for a chance of winning the Penguin Chalke Valley History Prize. It must be on one of the following themes: The Ancients; Secret and Spies; The Home; Adventurers and Inventors; or King and Country. There are two age groups: 11 to 14 and 15 to 18. Entrants will be judged on historical research, writing skill and originality. The winner of each category gets £500, £100 of Penguin Books and a one-to-one session with a senior publisher at Penguin. The winners’ schools also receive £500. Those shortlisted in each age group will be invited to the Penguin Chalke Valley History Prize Final on June 28. Entries must be uploaded at cvhf.org.uk/ history-prize by noon on May 29. Giving a talk titled The World of Downton Abbey: From the Great War to the Roaring Twenties, he will appear in conversation with ITN political editor Tom Bradby, discussing the enormous social change brought by the First World War and why this period continues to fascinate and inspire him. Tickets for this and all talks go on sale today. Starkey, famous for his TV series including Monarchy, will mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, by talking about its genesis, history, and influence on Britain today. Mosse will explain the historical backdrop of her Languedoc trilogy, each set in or around Carcassonne at an important point in the French city’s history, from the 13th century to the Second World War. Tomalin speaks on diarist Samuel Pepys. Sir Ranulph, whose ancestors fought on both the French and English sides at Agincourt, will take an irreverent look at the 1415 battle. In a year of many poignant anniversaries, there will be a 1940s themed Victory Party recognising the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Mr Johnson, 93, a bomb aimer in RAF 617 Squadron’s Dambusters raid of May 17, 1943, will be among seven Lancaster crew veterans sharing their memories. For the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Wing Commander Neil, 94, who survived 141 combat missions, will talk about those days. Hislop will discuss the importance of satire past and present while MacGregor, credited with turning the British Museum into one of the world’s most visited attractions, will explore 600 years of Germany’s complex history. The festival, in Ebbesbourne Wake near Salisbury, Wiltshire, runs from June 22 to 28. To buy tickets, go to www.cvhf.org.uk or phone 01722 781133. The Chalke Valley History Festival will also feature explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, above .
target: Festival also includes novelist Kate Mosse and explorer Ranulph Fiennes .
  Event attracts more than 30,000 visitors to idyllic venue in Wiltshire field .
  Lord Fellowes will discuss huge social change brought by First World War .