An archaeological extravanganza is promised this summer, as the Council for British Archaeology’s (CBA) annual Festival of British Archaeology gets under way. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, the Festival will be the biggest ever UK-wide event focusing on archaeology, and with more events organised for the public to attend than ever before, it promises to be a fascinating fortnight for those inspired by the past.
Ceders Park © Enfield Archaeological society
A quarter of a million members of the public are expected to attend more than 730 excavations, guided walks, special talks, family fun and activity days, re-enactments, finds identification days and much much more, from Saturday 17 July to Sunday 1 August 2010.
“Witnessing something that has not been seen for 2000 years or more being lifted from the soil just fascinates people” explains Dr. Mike Heyworth, Director of the CBA. “Taking a closer look at the lives of our ancestors through the objects and landscapes they have left behind is an experience no one ever forgets. We hope that by taking part people will be encouraged to explore the past further, whether by visiting museums, joining a local archaeology group or by reading more about their favourite period.”
All periods of history – and indeed, prehistory – can be experienced, and the Festival is truly nationwide, with events and activities right across the UK from the Scilly Islands to Orkney (and hundreds of places in-between!). Events include caving trips to see prehistoric markings in Somerset, a Roman film festival in Chichester, joining in with the excavation of a Victorian terraced house in Sheffield, guided walks around the Roman landscape of Northumberland, and sampling life as a marine archaeologist by scuba diving with English Heritage in Portsmouth!
Monkey Skull © Museum of London
The Festival of British Archaeology is coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology and aims to give everyone an opportunity to learn more about the past and to encourage them to pursue this further. It is celebrated by both national heritage and conservation bodies such as the National Trust, English Heritage, the RSPB, Natural England, the National Parks and the British Museum, and by the hundreds of societies, community archaeology groups, museums and universities that champion the history on our doorsteps.
Full events details can be found on the Festival website.
Uncover the CBA’s teaching resources or learn about their Young Archeologists’ Club (YAC).
The Festival of British Archaeology takes place nationwide from 17 July to 1 August 2010.
