The Storytelling of War: Voices from the Past Come Alive at the IWM Podcast Live Festival

History doesn’t just live on the pages of books—it comes alive in the ear of a listener. The IWM Podcast Live Festival 2025 is an unmissable event for anyone eager to explore war history through fresh perspectives and live storytelling. Taking place on Saturday, 1 November 2025 at IWM London, this unique festival brings over a century of war stories to two stages through live podcast recordings.

Mysterious Spies and Shattered Myths The festival program covers some of history’s most fascinating and often overlooked subjects:

• Islands at War: James Bulgin examines the personal experiences of those who lived on the Channel Islands—the only British soil occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II.
• For You The War Is Over: Claire Derry shares the true adventure stories of prisoner escapes in World War II. Guest Claire Derry’s father was a key figure in the Rome Escape Line, which helped thousands of Allied soldiers flee.
• History Rage: Historian Alex Churchill dismantles widespread myths and misconceptions about the 1914 Christmas Truce, armed with evidence and righteous fury.
• Cold War Conversations: Featuring a veteran from BRIXMIS (the British Army’s secret Special Observation Unit), hear the Cold War recounted from underground bunkers and the experiences of soldiers who allowed Soviet forces to pass over them.
• The Forgotten War: This podcast, with author Lucy Betteridge-Dyson, delves into the incredible and brutal story of the Burma Campaign in Southeast Asia against Japan.

Evening Talks and Live Games After a day of freely exploring IWM’s collections and joining guided tours, the bar opens in the evening. The event continues with a panel discussion on the rooftop terrace, then peaks with the interactive live quiz History Rage: The Showdown, where audience participation is encouraged.

This festival is an unmissable experience for any history enthusiast or anyone simply in awe of the power of storytelling.

Festival Information:

Event: IWM Podcast Live Festival 2025

Venue: IWM London (Imperial War Museum)

Date & Time: Saturday, 1 November 2025, 10:00 – 21:00

Ticket: £40 (Adults)

Special Event: Post-dinner rooftop discussion and live game show.