Festival of Archaeology 2016: Eleven events bringing our archaeology to life
This article originally appeared on Culture24.
It's Festival of Archaeology time with hundreds of events nationwide. Here's a starter for ten (plus one) of events happening across the UKDig Rothley!
The Charnwood Roots Community Dig in Rothley is digging 30 test-pits across the village with the help of volunteers and University of Leicester archaeologists to find out more about Rothley's early history.
This is a free event and no previous experience is necessary. Training and equipment will be provided but you must book a place to take part.
Website: www.charnwoodroots.org
Culver Archaeological Project
Mon 27th Jun 2016 - Sun 21st Aug 2016
The Culver Archaeological Project was set up in 2006 and is currently investigating a previously unknown Romano British settlement site located in the bend of the River Ouse at Bridge Farm, Upper Wellingham, East Sussex (TQ 433144).
This year's excavations begin on Monday July 27 and will conclude on Sunday August 21 with two public open-days on Saturday July 30 and Sunday July 31. Volunteers and students are welcome to join the excavations.
Website: www.culverproject.co.uk
Archaeology day, Londonderry
Saturday July 23
A day of archaeological activities including a mock dig for children, facilitated by The School of Irish Archaeology, and an Archaeology Information Fair. Recent archaeological discoveries will also be displayed with expert talks from heritage and archaeology experts providing information and advice to the public on how they can be more involved with archaeology.
Industrious Victorians @ Parkfest, North York Moors National Park
A day of finding out about archaeology on the North York Moors as part of a Free Family Fun Day for the launch of National Parks Week. Activities include mini-digs, Industrious Victorian building activities, pottery demonstrations with the chance to have a go, archery sessions, wild craft skills, heritage walks, industrious Victorians talks, and various stands showcasing local food, traditional crafts and moorland management skills
Website: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/whats-on/nym-events/family-fun-day
UnstFest 2016
Monday July 11 – Friday July 22
Located just beyond mainland Shetland, Unst is Britain's most northerly inhabited island, Unstfest combines dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife with a tangible and very special sense of heritage.
This public dig will concentrate on recording the archaeology sites at Collaster in the west of Unst and participants will get the chance to excavate a prehistoric roundhouse and midden. The team will also be undertaking a wider landscape survey and recording the abandoned historic farms in the area.
Twitter: @NTS_archaeology
Website: www.unstfest.org/
Newbarns Excavation
Until Friday September 23
A chance to have a go at excavation at the ongoing dig at Newbarns where archaeologists are working on pre-historic burials on 2 of 3 Cairns with finds on show. Stout shoes are advised as there is boggy ground (not suitable for wheelchairs).
Website: www.sat.org.uk
Walking through history: Nottingham's Caves
A medieval man-made cave, never before open to the public, will be opened up for tours led by professional archaeologist Scott Lomax. Tours will take place on Tuesday 19th, Thursday 21st and Saturday 23rd July. The tours last approximately 40 minutes and cost £3. Please contact Scott for further details.
Website: www.nottinghamarchaeology.sclomax.co.uk/caves.htm
Twitter: twitter.com/nottarchaeology
Rhuddlan Castle, Festival of Archaeology, Hands on Heritage
Saturday July 23 – Sunday Jul 24
Rhuddlan takes you back into the medieval period and a celebration of Welsh heritage via storytelling, craft demonstrations, hands on activities and workshops in the grounds of one of Wales' iconic monuments.
Website: cadw.gov.wales/events/allevents/?site=5047809&lang=en
Festival of Archaeology at Salisbury Museum
The 2016 festival features leading archaeologists, broadcasters and living history groups from across Britain and once again a programme of fascinating and enjoyable talks, show stands and entertainment.
This year features a British Museum exhibition ‘Writing for Eternity: Decoding Ancient Egypt’ with talks from Egyptologists as well as talks on the Durotriges, genetics, Silchester, Viking mass burial, geophysics, Stonehenge hidden landscape and a live dig festival project ‘Phil’s Dig’
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Salisbury-South-Wiltshire-Museum/116877671701774
Twitter: twitter.com/SalisburyMuseum
Website: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/
The Step Back in Time Festival, Winkleigh
Saturday July 23 – Sunday July 24
Step Back in Time Festival is packed with all manner of archaeological and heritage things. Displays include: Viking & Iron Age & Medieval living history & battle re-enactments; living history encampments and battles in the re-enactment arena; vintage vehicle displays including cars, and motorbikes dating back 100 years, together with tractors, lawnmowers and miniature Steam Engines.
There’s also basket making, excavation technique displays and the results of an excavation at Moistown, the site of a medieval house. Also Car Boot Sale & some Trade stands.See web for more info.
Starts 11.00 ends 17.00, but the bar is open until 23.00 on Saturday. £5 entry children under 16 are free.
www.facebook.com/AceArchaeologyClub
Twitter: twitter.com/gileswarham
Website: step-back-in-time.co.uk
Meillionydd excavation open days
Saturday July 16 – Sunday July 17
For the past six years Bangor University‘s School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology has been excavating the double ringwork enclosure of Meillionydd, near Rhiw, on the Llŷn peninsula in northwest Wales. They are currently focusing on excavating the inside of the enclosure, where they expect to find many interesting features including roundhouses.
The open days offer the chance to see for yourself how archaeological field work is done and join a free site tours (in Welsh or English) to find out more about the site. You can even grab a trowel and have a go in our trench yourself?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/meillionydddig
Twitter: twitter.com/meillionydddig
Website: meillionydd.bangor.ac.uk
For full details and event listings from the Festival of Archaeology and to find an event near you visit www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk
