Our Top Picks for We Have Ways Fest 2024

In less than a week, between 19 and 21 July, the brilliant We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast will be holding its annual We Have Ways Fest. Once again, the UK’s largest festival dedicated to the Second World WarA global war that lasted from 1939 until 1945. will be returning to amaze, educate, and entertain.

Bringing its unique blend of banter and expertise to the excellent Blackpit Brewery, situated just a stone’s throw away from the Silverstone circuit, it will come with an array of attractions, including over 50 speakers, impressive displays of contemporarySomeone or something living or occurring at the same time. military hardware, and entertainments ranging from living history to live music – as well as enough alcohol to sink the entire British Naval Fleet!

With so many things on offer, it will be difficult to choose what to do, so here’s our list of the must-sees of the festival. For further information, visit the website here. Tickets can be purchased here.

Friday, 19 July

Peter Caddick-Adams and Roger Moorhouse - The Plot to Kill Hitler

Would you try to kill Hitler? That’s what a group of WehrmachtThe unified German military from 1935-1945. officers tried – and failed – to do in July 1944, as the war for Germany was turning from bad to worse. The July 1944 plot so nearly worked, but its failure brought deeper paranoia from the Nazi leadership and a greater reign of terror than ever before. In this fascinating talk, award-winning historian of Nazi Germany, Poland and the Second World War in Europe Roger Moorhouse discusses both the plot and the fall-out with specialist military officer and historian, writer and broadcaster Peter Caddick-Adams.

Peter Caddick-Adams will be appearing a number of times on Friday, including at talks about the Battle of Monte Cassino (see below) and the Battle of the Bulge.

Fighting on Film and Sebastian Abineri - A Bridge Too Far?

Robbie McGuire and Matthew Moss, film lovers, military historians and hosts of Fighting on Film: The War Movie Podcast, are joined by actor Sebastian Abineri, whose illustrious acting career has spanned 40 years and included roles in A Bridge Too Far and Attenborough’s Private Army. In this fascinating talk, they will be discussing the reality and the presentation of Operation Market Garden, and the process Abineri went through to represent the gallant band of paratroopers who heroically held Arnhem Bridge against insurmountable odds during the terrible battle in 1944.

James Holland et al - Cassino ’44

The Battle of Monte Cassino – or the Battle for Rome – was a series of four military assaults by the Allies against German forces in Italy during the Italian Campaign of 1944. It was a brutally tough battle, but like much of the well-trodden history of the war, it has become one shrouded in myth and misconception. James Holland, co-host of the festival and of the We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast, draws on his vast experience and his new book, Cassino ’44, to describe this epic battle. He will be joined by former German Armed Forces officer and historian Magnus Pahl, whose book Monte Cassino 1944 considers German perspectives of the battle; and the indefatigable Peter Caddick-Adams.

As co-host, James Holland will be present and accounted for throughout the festival. When not riding tanks around the Arena, he can be found at Super Gehern T-Tag (also on Friday – see below), discussing innumerous battles across the weekend, and leading a wartime-inspired variety show on Saturday. You can read our interview with James Holland here.

Al Murray et al - Super Gehern T-Tag

The Mastermind­-inspired We Have Ways quiz show is back, this time with the correct German name! This year it will be focusing on that towering eightieth anniversary event: T-Tag. Podcast and festival co-hosts James Holland and Al Murray will be joined by military historian and co-host of We Have Ways USA, John McManus; Ben Willbond, the award-winning actor and screenwriter, best known for his role as The Captain in BBC1’s Bafta-nominated comedy Ghosts; the American military historian and author Kevin Hymel; and award-winning author and historian Clare Mulley, who focuses on female experience during the Second World War.

Al Murray will be at the festival throughout the weekend. In addition to various Arena activities, he will be participating in a number of talks, including ‘Twenty-Four Hours in Arnhem’ (also Friday) and the We Have Ways variety show (Saturday). John McManus will be a busy man throughout the weekend, participating in a range of talks on topics such as the Battle of the Bulge (Friday), Omaha Beach (Saturday), and forgotten battles of 1944 (Sunday). Ben Willbond will be making several appearances, including talking about Fighter Command (Friday) and on the variety show (Saturday). Kevin Hymel will likewise be talking across the weekend, also on Omaha Beach and on George Patton (Sunday). Clare Mulley will also be telling the gripping story of Agent Zo on Saturday (see below).

Saturday, 20 July

Jim Dowdall and James May - Making War Movies

There aren’t many people who can claim they briefed Lee Marvin on the use of a sub-machine-gun or survived some of the toughest stunts in Where Eagles Dare. But Jim Dowdall - a movie armourer in the '60s who left to join the Parachute Regiment in 1973 and then became a stunt performer/coordinator - can. And to make the discussion even better, he’s in conversation with James May, the much-loved journalist, author, television presenter and publican.

James May will be speaking on the same day about the Spitfire.

Dermot O’Leary - The RNLI at Wartime

The RNLI have a long and extraordinary history but was there a greater period for them than during the Second World War? Dermot O’Leary, one of the UK’s best-loved TV and radio presenters as well as a best-selling novelist, brilliantly champions these amazing seaborne rescuers.

Clare Mulley - Agent Zo

One of the highlights of this year’s Chalke History Festival, Clare Mulley tells the incredible lost story of Elzbieta Zawacka, the only Polish woman to reach London from Warsaw as an emissary of the Home Army during the war, and who became a hugely successful secret agent. Don't miss this spell-binding story that’s so gripping it can even keep the attention of a fourteen-year-old!

Alina Nowobilska and Kate Vigurs - Faces of the Warsaw Uprising: 80 Years On

The story of the revolt in Poland’s capital is that of suffering, tragedy, bravery and sacrifice. In this talk, acclaimed historian and SOESpecial Operations Executive was a secret British espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance unit working in occupied territory during the Second World War. specialist Kate Vigurs, along with Alina Nowobilska, a specialist in Polish history during the Second World War, tell the human tale of the Warsaw Uprising.

As well as making an appearance at the variety show (also Saturday), Kate Vigurs will be at her stand at the festival for the full weekend, available to speak about all things SOE, and also performing some talks from her excellent History’s Maid (see below). You can read our review of Vigurs's book, Mission France, here, and our interview with her here.

Sunday, 21 July

James Holland and Rob Lyman - Imphal 44

The Battle of Imphal in 1944 has been described as ‘Britain’s Greatest Battle’. With, eventually, a stunning victory for General Slim’s multinational army, it had endless twists and turns, incorporating the heights of drama and depths of despair. In this fascinating discussion with James Holland, the excellent and ever-engaging Rob Lyman, military historian and former British Army officer, will reveal all.

Robert Hutton and Tom Petch - Fortitude: D-Day Deception

Journalist, political satirist, and host of the War Movie Theatre podcast Rob Hutton, and writer, director, and former tank and 22 SAS commander Tom Petch look at the biggest deception operation of the Second World War – Operation Fortitude – that included the creation of an entirely fake army group in England. They discuss not just the deception plans but also some of the extraordinary – and brilliant – characters involved in ensuring the Allies kept the Germans guessing in the run-up to D-Day.

Robert Hutton will also be discussing Dudley Clarke, the man responsible for forming the British Commandos, US Rangers and the SAS on Friday.

Joseph Ricci - A Generational Tie: The American Civil War and the Second World War

Eisenhower, Patton, and MacArthur were inspired by names such as Grant, Lee, and Sherman. By examining the Civil War, Joe Ricci explores how we can better understand the American Armed Forces in the Second World War. Ricci, an American Civil War specialist, has written extensively for the Dispatch Magazine and produced the Dispatch Podcast, as well as being the producer and host of Home Brew History Podcast.

Other bits not to be missed

Spitfire and Mustang Flypast

There are two iconic warbirds visiting the festival this year: the Spitfire and P-51 Mustang. Watch in awe as they pirouette around the sky and feel the hairs on your neck stand up as the Merlin engines roar.

You can see them at 1.30pm on Friday and 11.30am on Saturday.

Night Firing

The Garrison’s big 3.7-inch heavy anti-aircraft gun is back and, together with its searchlight, will be ensuring no Heinkels or Dorniers spoil the weekend party. It’s big, it’s loud – and it’s brilliant. All hail, General Pile!

The Night Firing will be held at 10.30pm on Friday and 11pm on Saturday.

History's Maid

History’s Maid is a live historical interpretation company created by Dr Kate Vigurs (see above, Saturday). Returning to We Have Ways this year with her fabulous performances and incredible stories, History's Maid will take you back to the Second World War with tales of heroism and sacrifice. A firm festival favourite who provides entertainment and education for the entire family.

Major Banger King

Actor and raconteur Adam Schuch-des Forges will introduce you to the most remarkable officer that you’ve never heard of: Major ‘Banger’ King. Join 2nd BattalionA military unit, typically consisting of between 300 and 800 soldiers. of the East Yorkshire Regiment as they train for D-Day, fight their way through the Norman countryside, and face countless insurmountable odds, led all the way by the amazing, extraordinary, indomitable Banger.

Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History

Stephen ‘Abs’ Wisdom, of Chalke History Festival fame, will be on hand throughout the weekend providing entertainment and information on everything from directions to weapons, as well as performing his brilliant one-man shows.

Click here for more information. Tickets can be purchased here.

Images © We Have Ways.