Malton Roman Festival 2026

About

The fifth annual Malton Roman Festival returns on Sunday 19 July 2026, marking its fifth year with the addition of the Roman numeral V. In Roman numerals, V represents the number five, reflecting the festival’s milestone year. Organised by Malton Museum, the event offers a full day of Roman history, family activities and live demonstrations in the heart of North Yorkshire.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday 19 July 2026
• Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
• Location: Orchard Field, Malton
• Adult Tickets: £10
• Children under 5: Free
• Children aged 5 to 15: £5
• Family Ticket: £20

Taking place on the first Sunday of the summer holidays, the festival provides an engaging and educational day out for families, history enthusiasts and visitors to the region.

A Historic Setting at Orchard Field

The festival is hosted at Orchard Field in Malton, the site of the Roman fort and civilian settlement known as Delgovicia, established around AD71. Although the name Derventio was historically associated with this location, further academic research has since identified the Roman site at Stamford Bridge as Derventio.

Holding a Roman festival on the grounds of a former Roman fort creates an authentic and immersive atmosphere. The historic landscape offers a fitting backdrop for re-enactments, demonstrations and educational talks throughout the day.

Roman Re-enactment Groups and Living History

Malton Roman Festival V will welcome a range of established Roman re-enactment groups, bringing ancient Britain to life through detailed displays and interactive sessions.

• Equistry, a Roman cavalry unit
• Legio VI Victrix
• Magister Militum
• Longthorpe Legion
• Brigantes of Wincobank Hill, representing the native British population of the period

Visitors can expect marching displays, weaponry demonstrations and opportunities to learn about Roman military life. Younger attendees can take part in the popular Kids Roman Army recruitment and join a march around the site.

Expert Talks and Author Sessions

The festival programme also includes a series of talks and question-and-answer sessions led by historians and authors of both fiction and non-fiction. Previous speakers have included Terry Deary, Simon J Turney and Dr Simon Elliott.

Updates on confirmed speakers and the full schedule will be shared by Malton Museum in the lead-up to the event. Visitors are encouraged to follow the museum’s website and social media channels for the latest information.

Family Activities, Food and Local Exhibitors

In addition to re-enactments and talks, the festival offers a wide range of activities for children. Food and drink vendors will be available throughout the day, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Local archaeological groups and the museum will also host stalls, showcasing artefacts and recent finds. These displays provide valuable insight into the region’s Roman heritage and ongoing archaeological work.

Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities

Malton Roman Festival V is organised entirely by volunteers. Individuals interested in assisting during the preparation phase or on the day itself are invited to contact the museum at enquiries.maltonmuseum@gmail.com.

Businesses and individuals wishing to sponsor or donate towards the festival are also encouraged to get in touch using the same contact details. Sponsorship offers an opportunity to support a well-established heritage event within the local community.

A Roman-Themed Day Out in North Yorkshire

With authentic Roman re-enactments, educational talks, children’s activities and a historic setting, Malton Roman Festival V presents a varied and informative day out. As the Romans might have said, “Te ibi videbo”, visitors will be seen there.

For those planning their summer holidays, 19 July 2026 offers an opportunity to experience Roman history in Malton at a family-friendly price.