Eboracum Roman Festival 2026 Returns to York

About

The Eboracum Roman Festival will return to York from 16 to 31 May 2026, offering a city-wide celebration of Roman history. Organised by York Museums Trust in collaboration with partners including York Archaeological Trust, York Minster, the University of York and others, the festival presents an engaging programme of events, talks, trails and interactive experiences.

Living History Weekend Highlights

The festival’s centrepiece takes place on 23 and 24 May at York Museum Gardens, where visitors can explore Roman life through immersive activities and demonstrations.

Live historical re-enactments and storytelling
Hands-on craft demonstrations including weaving, pottery and blacksmithing
Military displays and formations
Guided tours of Roman plants and herbs
Artillery demonstrations showcasing Roman weaponry
Children’s “Barbaric Battle” interactive experience

The Living History Camp provides opportunities to engage directly with reenactors and discover daily life in Roman Britain.

Guest Speakers and Author Events

The Yorkshire Museum will host special guest speakers across the weekend:

Greg Jenner presents a family-friendly talk on Roman Britain
Terry Deary delivers a talk on rebellions and revolutions, suitable for ages 16+

Visitors can also meet a range of historical authors, attend book signings and enjoy storytelling sessions inspired by Roman myths and history.

Archaeology and Interactive Learning

The Archaeology Zone will offer hands-on discovery experiences, including:

Mock excavation pits
Object handling sessions
Educational talks from experts

These activities aim to provide insight into archaeological methods and Roman artefacts discovered in York.

City-Wide Events Across Half Term

The festival extends beyond the gardens, with activities taking place throughout the city:

Roman walking tours led by Uncomfortable York
Costumed interpretation experiences at York Minster
A Roman treasure hunt supported by the University of York
A symposium exploring Egypt’s influence in Roman York
Film screening of Gladiator at City Screen York

Family Activities at the Yorkshire Museum

Throughout half term, the Yorkshire Museum will host a variety of activities included with general admission:

Roman games and interactive displays
Creative workshops for families
Live performances exploring Shakespeare’s Roman works
Meet-a-Roman storytelling sessions

Visitors can also explore the museum’s Roman collections, including a preserved Roman mosaic.

Schools and Educational Programme

The festival includes a dedicated programme for schools, featuring:

A live-streamed Roman history session for primary schools
Teacher CPD events exploring Roman and Iron Age Britain
Access to educational resources and expert-led sessions

New Exhibition: The Melsonby Hoard

The festival coincides with the opening of a new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, “Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard”. This exhibition explores one of the largest Iron Age discoveries in Britain, offering context to life in northern England over 2,000 years ago.

Plan a Visit

The Eboracum Roman Festival offers a varied programme suitable for families, history enthusiasts and visitors seeking educational entertainment during the May half term. Events range from free outdoor experiences to ticketed talks and performances.