The Imperial War Museums will host the IWM History Festival at IWM Duxford on Saturday, 30 August and Sunday, 31 August 2025, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Set within a large marquee on Duxford’s historic airfield, the two-day festival promises an engaging mix of speaker sessions, living-history reenactments, static displays of military vehicles and aircraft, book signings, and a relaxed outdoor setting complete with a beer garden and various stalls.
Visitors can look forward to talks from prominent historians, including Richard J. Evans, Fraser McCallum, Clare Mulley, Damien Lewis, and Jenny Grant, who will explore the final months of the Second World War through compelling storytelling and historical insight. Throughout the weekend, expert-led reenactments and living-history displays will immerse attendees in wartime life, offering unique perspectives on both the battlefield and the home front.
The festival also includes opportunities to get up close to historic military vehicles and classic aircraft, with commentary provided by specialists. Attendees can meet authors, purchase signed copies of their latest works, and browse a range of memorabilia and collectibles. Food and drink options will be available throughout the site, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere for history enthusiasts of all ages.
Tickets are now on sale at £60 for adults and £30 for children aged 10 to 15, with a 10% discount offered on second-day bookings and reduced rates available for IWM members. Aimed primarily at older children and adults with an interest in wartime history, the IWM History Festival is set to be a memorable weekend at one of Britain’s most iconic aviation heritage sites. For more information, visit www.iwm.org.uk.
