Our inaugural The Rest Is History Festival is taking place on the 4th and 5th July 2026 at Hampton Court Palace.
It's a members-only event where you can expect live conversations, special guests, music, and a chance to spend time with fellow listeners in one place.
Prepare for a journey through the ages as Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook join forces with world-leading historians:
Saturday, 4th July
- Tracy Borman on the Tudors
- Ali Ansari on Persia
- Paul Rouse on Ireland
- Mary Beard on Rome
Sunday, 5th July
- Katja Hoyer on Weimar Germany
- Helen Castor on Elizabeth I
- Adam Smith on US Presidents
- Dan Jackson on The Momentous Pit Disaster
By February 23rd 2026, sign up to become an Athelstan for two guaranteed tickets, or a Friend of the Show for ballot entry.
We will be sharing all ticketing updates via email.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m on the members mailing list and what do I do if I’m not?
If you receive our weekly newsletter, you are on the mailing list and will be sent further festival updates. If you unsubscribed from emails and wish to resubscribe, please email therestishistory@goalhanger.com
I am an Apple member - how can I join the ballot?
To join the ballot you need to be on our mailing list, as we will send all ballot info by email. Please email therestishistory@goalhanger.com to join the mailing list, and make the subject line: Apple member. Apple members cannot become Athelstans as this tier is only offered via our website.
How many tickets will I be able to buy and will they cover both days?
If successful in the ballot, Friends of the Show can buy up to two tickets. Athelstans do not have to enter the ballot and are guaranteed the option to buy two tickets after registering intent. Athelstans can also upgrade to a VIP ticket.
You will have the option to buy either day or weekend tickets. The second ticket can be for a guest, who does not have to be a member.
Can I get access to tickets if I become a member after the ballot opens?
No, once the ballot opens on February 23rd, new Friends of the Show or Athelstans will not be eligible for tickets.
If existing Friends of the Show want to upgrade to the Athelstan tier, they must do so before February 23rd.
How do I upgrade to become an Athelstan?
Log in via this website, select 'Members' club' and click on your 'Account' page where you can change your subscription plan.
Apple members cannot become Athelstans as this tier is only offered via our website.