The Festival of Archaeology in England's Midlands

Summer is here and the Festival of Archaeology is approaching fast! This year we focus on science and technology in archaeology: #ArchaeoTech

So what does the Festival offer for our Young Archaeologists? As always, you will have the chance to explore your local archaeology, watch experts at work and, of course, get some hands-on experience yourself. Between digs and excavations, re-enactors and food tastings, talks and tours, there is something to be found for everyone. We have an abundance of events and with a quick search you can find one near you.

Just to give you an idea of the range of options, here are a few of the events that will soon be happening in the Midlands.

What's happening in the Midlands during the Festival of Archaeology?

First off, we have two amazing festivals you might enjoy. The first is the Festival of Victorian Archaeology. At Creswell Crags you have the chance to gain insight not only into the Victorian era, a time full of discoveries, explorations and groundbreaking science, but also into how Victorian archaeologists worked and what they discovered. Between Saturday July 20th and Friday July 26th, you can become an archaeologist, dig up and record your own artefacts, explore the exhibition of old manuscripts, reports and photographs of the caves and gorges and have fun with traditional Victorian fairground games.

If you like things a little more immersive, we suggest the Living History Festival at Offa’s Dyke Centre. On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July you can enjoy a weekend of Anglo Saxon and early Medieval life. Reenactors from Cwmwd lal will bring you not only craft demonstrations and traditional food, but show off their battle skills! Talks, walks, storytelling and many more activities await.

For those of you who enjoy stratigraphy or want to learn more about it, The Higgins Bedford offers Digging Up the Past on Thursday 25th July. Our YAC designed stratigraphy model is just waiting for you to explore it and a blanket dig will allow you to discover how archaeologists find clues to our past lives.

Finally, there is Time Travel: From Ancient to Present Technologies. Saturday 20th July will cover everything from making flint tools to the conditions miners faced when working underground. Whether you like to get hands-on and dye your own cloth, hear from County Archaeologist Shane Kelleher how new technologies have enhanced previous archaeological knowledge or bury a time capsule, there is something for everyone!

Do you have any great ideas for this year’s festival? Why not create your own event and allow Young Archaeologists to learn from you!