Eboracum Roman Festival In York
The March of the Legion

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Posted on 10th May 2026

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Dust off your sandals — the Eboracum Roman Festival is back in York for May Half Term for 2026! The city of York (known to the Romans as Eboracum) will be transported back in time. Whether you’re a family of "little warriors" or a seasoned history buff, this is a great Yorkshire event.

The Living History Encampment

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May, 10am to 5pm,
FREE to attend, York Museum Gardens

The festival's centerpiece returns to the stunning Museum Gardens. Walk through a sprawling Roman camp and witness the sights, sounds, and, maybe even, the smells of Roman life.

• ⚔️Meet The Legions: Chat with Roman soldiers about their kit, their training, and life
• 🪚Roman Crafts: Watch live demonstrations of blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, and carpentry. You might even get a chance to try your hand at a craft!
• The Kids' Barbaric Battle: Let the kids burn off some energy! Little legionaries can become soldiers and join a "battle" on the lawn—a firm festival favorite (pre-booking recommended). £10 per child
• Artillery in Action: The chance to see some real-life Roman weapons in action!

🏛️ Half-Term Highlights at the Yorkshire Museum

Beyond the main weekend, the Yorkshire Museum is hosting a full program of activities throughout the school holidays, all activities are included within the standard Museum entry.

• ⚔️Meet The Legions: Chat with Roman soldiers about their kit, their training, and life
• Roman Games (Tues 26, Sat 30, Sun 31 May):: Drop into the Rec Room to try your hand at Ludus and other ancient board games.
• Creative Mosaics (Wed 27 May): Join an artist-led workshop to create your own Roman-inspired masterpiece.
• Shakespeare and Rome (Thurs 28 May): Celebrating York’s Roman history, inspired by Roman objects in the Yorkshire Museum, and performed on the historic mosaic floor.
• New Exhibition: Be among the first to see Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard, a brand-new exhibit showcasing incredible Iron Age and Roman discoveries.

🐲 Special Guests and Expert Talks

The festival welcomes some big names to the Yorkshire Museum this year:

• Greg Jenner (Sat 23 May): The Horrible Histories historian and podcaster presents “Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy.” (Perfect for kids!)
• Terry Deary (Sun 24 May): The legendary author of Horrible Histories delivers a riotous talk on rebellions and revolutions (Ages 16+).
• Romans, Plants and Herbs (Sat 23 and Sun 24 May): Join a member of the Gardens Team to learn about medicinal and edible plants and herbs which were introduced to Britain by the Romans, which can be found in York Museum Garden’s Edible Garden. (FREE - first come, frst served)

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Explore The City

There are festival related activities across York City Centre during the festival.

• Roman Treasure Hunt: TThe University of York will be supporting the city-wide Roman treasure hunt. Pick up a trail sheet from the event information tent in the Museum Gardens on the 23 or 24 May to discover Roman York in an interactive walk through Eboracum.
• York Minster: Special Roman-themed tours and costumed interpreters.
• City Screen: Catch a special screening of Gladiator.
• Uncomfortable York: Join a walking tour to discover the "hidden" side of Roman York.

More Information and Tickets Available At The Yorkshure Museum Website.