A group of young people digging on an archaeological excavation.

New YAC launching in 2026: Leicestershire YAC!

We’re excited to announce another new branch joining the YAC network: Leicestershire YAC, launching in Leicester in January 2026! Branch leader Rachel tells us more…

Through interactions at outreach events over the last couple of years, there was a huge eagerness among the young people we met to get involved in archaeology and learn more about the heritage of their local area. With Leicester’s long history dating back to at least the Iron Age, and its claim to be the most excavated city in the country, there is certainly plenty to explore! So, in January 2026, the newly reformed Leicestershire branch of the Young Archaeologist’s Club is launching in affiliation with the Council for British Archaeology to give them a chance to do just that!

Our leadership team is made up of professional archaeologists who work for the University of Leicester Archaeological Services and are passionate about promoting the many and varied aspects of archaeological work. With specialisms in the study of animal bones, ancient plants, and pottery, and supported by a team who bring with them a wealth of experience in excavation and archival work, our sessions will draw upon this expertise to give members the chance to explore just what it’s like to be an archaeologist.

The first session of the club will be a launch event at the recently reopened Jewry Wall Museum on January 24th 2026, where we will have a tour around the museum followed by a number of fun hands-on activities. We will then meet once a month throughout the year for a range of indoor and outdoor sessions that will include digging at local archaeological sites, fieldwalking, and visits to historical landmarks, as well as a range of practical sessions held in the labs of the University of Leicester featuring experimental archaeology, artefact handling, and craft-based projects.

There is a one-off joining fee of £15 which includes a Leicestershire YAC branded cap and T-shirt and the first session, with subsequent sessions then charged at £3 per person.

For further information and enquiries please contact: LeicestershireYAC@gmail.com