The Rest Is History podcast is launching a two-day festival at Hampton Court Palace on 4-5 July 2026, marking a significant expansion for the show that has built a community of more than 120,000 paying members worldwide.
The members-only event, developed in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, responds to growing demand from fans who have outgrown traditional theatre show formats. Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook will welcome thousands of members per day to the Palace’s Home Park and East Garden for an extended weekend combining live recordings, guest historians, historical re-enactments and community gathering.
Conrad Withey, Chief Commercial Officer at Goalhanger, explained the festival addresses a clear gap in the current offering. “Theatre shows are brilliant, but they’re 90 minutes and then everyone heads home without ever meeting the person sitting next to them who travelled three hours to be there,” he said. “Drinks receptions work well for 100 people, but not for thousands. We needed a format that genuinely delivers what our fast-growing membership is asking for – a proper weekend together to celebrate history, where friendships form and the tribe can gather.”
The festival will centre on a large social area on Hampton Court’s East Lawns, giving members space to meet fellow fans between main stage sessions. Across the weekend, attendees will enjoy five live on-stage The Rest Is History recordings, alongside guest historians, live music and entertainment, historical interpreters and re-enactments, plus food, drink and relaxed picnic-style seating across the Palace grounds.
Tom Holland highlighted the significance of the venue choice. “Hampton Court isn’t just a beautiful venue – it’s where Henry VIII held court and shaped English history,” he said. “Now it’s history that will be holding court – or should I say our listeners will be? People are always telling us they wish they could spend more time at our live shows, meet other listeners and swap book recommendations. This festival makes that possible.”
Dominic Sandbrook emphasised the community-building aspect. “At a theatre show, you see the audience for two hours and then everyone scatters,” he said. “We wanted to create something where Friends of the Show can actually become friends – debating the Tudors over lunch, discovering they live 20 minutes apart, and planning to meet again at the next event. That’s what a real community should feel like.”
Dan Wolfe, Commercial Director at Historic Royal Palaces, said the organisation was delighted to host the event. “History podcasts are transforming how people connect with the past and with each other – through shared curiosity and powerful storytelling,” he said. “Against the backdrop of this extraordinary place, the festival will offer a unique way to discover the past in a spectacular historic setting.”
Goalhanger and Historic Royal Palaces plan for The Rest Is History Festival to become an annual fixture, with ambitions to grow alongside the club. Goalhanger is also exploring similar formats for other shows across its portfolio as membership communities continue to expand.
Ticket details will be announced soon, including how members can enter the ballot for access. Full information on ticket allocation across each Club membership tier is available at TheRestIsHistory.com.
Image credits:
Goalhanger & Jessica Eliza Ross
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