In less than a week, between 12 and 14 September, 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 War 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 contemporary 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, 12 September
Roger Moorhouse - Poland: The Sellout
After its people faced brutal fighting and horrendous losses, did the Allies fail Poland at the end of the Second World War? Join acclaimed author and historian of Nazi Germany, Poland and of the Second World War in Europe, Roger Moorhouse as he takes to the stage to answer this incredibly challenging question.
Al Murray, James Holland, and Guests - Super Gehern
We Have Ways Fest's annual quiz has had a make-over: this year, they're playing it with a straight bat, taking their lead from the real Mastermind: four contestants, specialist subjects, a (Second-World-War-themed) general knowledge round, and just two minutes of questions for each. And while in Al and Jim there will be two quiz masters not one, there will most definitely be the Chair, the Spotlight and the same, heart-stopping tension as seen on TV as they search for the Super Gehern Champion of We Have Ways Fest 2025.
Dominic Sandbrook and Tim Shipman - Churchill: The Greatest Briton?
There is no weightier character to discuss at a Second World War weekend in the heart of England than the towering figure of Winston S. Churchill. Such a titan needs titanic figures to discuss his place in the long history of these isles – which is why The Rest is History’s Dominic Sandbrook will be in conversation with The Spectator’s political editor and best-selling author, Tim Shipman. This will be a fresh, perceptive and thought-provoking discussion of Britain’s wartime prime minister and his place in the pantheon of greatest Britons.
Tim and Ben Willbond - The Big Wing
The Big Wing controversy led to serious ramifications – ultimately, losing many pilots. Conceived by Douglas Bader as an alternative way to fight the Battle of Britain, it gained momentum through ignorance, hubris, flawed ideology and ambition. Not only did it contribute to the removal of Park and Dowding, but also placed the nation in great danger. Award-winning actor and screenwriter Ben Willbond will be in discussion with his father, retired Group Captain and Aerospace Battle Manager Tim Willbond in this fascinating talk.
Saturday, 13 September
Sophie Green - US Invasion: American Women in England
As the war of bullets waged in Europe, a cultural revolution was happening at home. Everyone hears about the Aerican G.I.s who came to Britain's shores, but what about the thousands of American women, employed by the US Army, who also flocked lived and worked in the UK during the Second World War. In this talk, Curator at the 95th Bomb Group Museum at Horham and British Representative of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, Sophie Green explores who these women were, and how they changed the country.
James May and Calum Douglas - Motor-Heads
British national treasure James May gives vent to his geekier side in this discussion with petrolhead, professional mechanical engineer and aviation historian Calum Douglas. Sit back for an hour of discussions over the best and worst aero engines produced, the massive improvement in horsepower and performance that took place during the six years of the Second World War, and what these developments meant for the outcome of the war.
Clare Mulley, et al - SOE: Three Spies
Who was the greatest spy of the Second World War? Clare Mulley, award-winning historian and author of Agent Zo, Gordon Corera, co-host of the spy-focused The Rest is Classified podcast, and Robert Lyman, a military historian with twenty years service in the British Army, each have a favourite. These three absolute experts in the topic battle it out to have their say on the most influential, exceptional and down-right cool SOE agent of the entire six years. Expect epic tales of subterfuge and derring-do a plenty.
Al Murray, Jim Holland, and Guests (Again!) - The ENSA show
The ENSA Show is only in its second year but is already one of staples of the festival weekend: the annual Saturday night entertainment. There will be songs, there will be dancing. There’ll be sketches and jokes. And this year, Al and Jim will be joined by a wider cast of comedy kings and vaudeville veterans. Featuring The Two Rommels, Georg Formbäch, a special new edition of Blind Date, and a Rogue Heroes reboot, as well as a host of guest appearances from around the world, this is the show that will be putting the fun back into fünf!
Sunday, 14 September
Antony Beevor and James Holland - Downfall: Berlin '45
Hitler had always promised a Thousand Year Reich or Armageddon. And in the end, it was Armageddon. Berlin’s downfall is a tale of unspeakable violence, of grotesque delusion, of divided strategies, reckless, cruel and corrupt command, and of the suffering of millions, troops and civilians alike. Antony Beevor, author of an internationally bestselling account of the end of the war in Berlin, will be discussing this tragic story that saw Hitler’s death, a million further casualties, and the destruction of the Third Reich.
Alex Churchill - Philippines '45
As the war came to a close in Germany in terrifying levels of destruction, so did the Philippines. Waged by Douglas MacArthur, the path to independence for the islands was blood soaked and marred by civilian casualties. Alex Churchill, military historian and co-founder of the Great War Group, tells their story.
John Tregoning and Louise Parberry - Legacy: Manhattan Project and the Guinea Pig Club
The scientific breakthroughs of the Second World War have reverberated throughout the twentieth and into the twenty-first century. What were the impacts of those scientists at the forefront of the nuclear age, and the doctors changing the face of reconstructive surgery? John Tregoning, author and Professor of Vaccine Immunology at Imperial College London, and Louise Parberry, software and AI specialist, explain all.
Other bits not to be missed
History's Maid
History’s Maid is a live historical interpretation company created by Dr Kate Vigurs. 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 Battalion 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.
For further information, visit the website here. Tickets can be purchased here.
Images © We Have Ways Fest.
