Malton Roman Festival V — Sunday 19 July 2026
Sunday 19 July 2026, 10:00 - 16:00
Buy tickets now! Early bird discount available online until 1 July 2026!
Re-enactment, Cavalry and Living History
This year’s Roman Festival brings our biggest ever re-enactment village and living history area, with an outstanding line-up of experimental archaeologists and living history groups.
Longthorpe Legion, Magister Militum and Eburakon join the Legio VI Victrix and the Brigantes of Wincobank Hill in bringing Roman Britannia to life at Orchard Field. These dedicated groups don’t just display Roman life — they live it! Their equipment is as accurate as current scholarship allows, and they love nothing more than talking visitors through any aspect of life in Roman Britannia.
Across the encampments, military displays will trace the fascinating changes in equipment, tactics and daily life across 400 years of Roman occupation of Britannia — from the early conquest to the final decades of Roman rule.
Breathtaking aerial performances from aerialist Lena Alani will recreate Roman entertainment and listen out for the thunder of hooves with horseback displays from Equistry Roman Cavalry.
Whether you’re a seasoned Roman history enthusiast or bringing curious young legionaries for the first time, the living history area promises to be the beating heart of the festival.
Our re-enactment village is home to legionary groups with authentic equipment, a Mithraic temple, and an Ancient Briton encampment where tribal crafts — including leatherwork, woodwork and metalwork — are demonstrated throughout the day. Hungry? Visit the Popina, a Roman fast food stall serving the food of ancient Rome, cooked fresh on site.
Historians, researchers and archaeologists will be on hand throughout the day to share their knowledge and discoveries, with equipment, tools and artefacts to explore up close.
Authors, Talks and Storytelling
Our Authors Tent returns with a fantastic line-up of familiar faces and exciting new guests.
Dr Simon Elliott — historian and television favourite — joins us once again with new stories of ancient Rome and Roman Britain. Spartapus author Robin Price brings his brilliantly funny children’s books and his legendary beatboxing to the Talks Tent. And this year, illustrator Sam Cunningham hosts cartoon sketching sessions inspired by Vlad the Flea in Rome — the artistic itch you’ll always want to scratch.
Our special guests this year are two giants of historical writing. Terry Deary, creator of Horrible Histories, returns with his newest adult book Revolting and will sign copies of his other titles too — Kemps Books will be on site to help you find what you’re looking for. We are also thrilled to welcome the acclaimed Roman fiction author Lindsey Davis, whose Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries and Flavia Albia series have won devoted fans worldwide. This is a rare chance to meet one of the genre’s finest writers.
Kids’ Roman Army and Family Activities 
There’s plenty to keep younger visitors busy all day. Everyone’s favourite sword and shield painting station returns, giving your little soldiers a chance to decorate their own weapons, plus helmets are available to buy on the day! All children can join the Kids’ Roman Army and be drilled by a Roman soldier – do they have what it takes to join the Legion?
There are also crafts, archaeology finds hands-on and dressing up for all ages.
Food, Drink and the Malton Taverna
No Roman Festival would be complete without a feast. The Bistro Guy returns with his stone-baked pizzas, joined by Greek Street Food and Ryedale Vineyard’s Taverna. The hugely popular Happy Barista coffee cart is back too, bringing their five-star-rated brews to keep you going through the day.
Meet the Experts
We’ve gathered together Roman enthusiasts, academics, archaeologists, craftspeople and more to share their expertise on various aspects of Roman life. This is your chance to have a go at cleaning and sorting archaeological finds, plus have a go at using Geo Phys to survey Orchard Fields. These stands will show the latest information gathered from around the area and beyond to give a fuller picture of Roman Yorkshire during its 400 years of Roman Occupation. Visitors can also have a go at axe throwing and plumbata throwing thanks to Sylvan Kin.
Tickets and Visitor Information
- 📅 Sunday 19 July 2026, 10am–4pm
- 📍 Orchard Field, Malton
- 🎟 Adults £10 | Children under 14 free | Family tickets £20
- Early bird tickets available until 1 July 2026 — book now to save
- Visit our online shop to purchase tickets.
We are continually adding new features and attractions, so check back regularly for updates. As always, our aim is to ensure a great day out for the whole family.
Other Information
Carers tickets We recognise that some visitors may require the support of a carer while visiting Malton Roman Festival. Carers can get in free on the gate on production of their carers card. No ticket required.
Pedestrian access to the festival is via Old Maltongate (What3words: counts.sounding.blindfold) and Sheepfoot Hill (What3Words: bronzes.workroom.picked). Please note that there is no vehicular access via Old Maltongate during the festival.
FREE Car parking is accessed via Sheepfoot Hill. If following SatNav, please use the postcode YO17 7EF, (What3Words: bronzes.workroom.picked). Priority disabled car parking is available: please let our car parking attendants know if you require this.
Additional free car parking is also available at Wentworth Street Car Park (Sundays only).
We are grateful to Derventio Wines for the use of their site for car parking.
Please note: The fort site is uneven in many places and whilst efforts have been made to make sure it is as level as it can be, we advise that you wear suitable footwear and are cautious at all times moving around the field.
For your comfort and safety, toilets, and first aid service are provided.
How do I get there?
The Festival site is within easy walking distance of Malton Railway Station and Malton Bus Station. We encourage you to use public transport where possible.
Car Parking
There is parking available at Derventio Wines at Tate Smith on Sheepfoot Hill, Malton, YO17 7DX
Download our Directions Map
There are also several car parks in Malton and Norton, some are free and others are Pay & Display; check Parkopedia for current details. Wentworth Street is the nearest and largest car park in Malton Wentworth Street Car Park Ryedale YO17 7JR
Back a Bale
Every year we invite festival goers to Back a Bale – i.e sponsor a haybale and provide lovely, comfy seating for all our festival goers! Bale Backers can have their name put on a haybale for a suggested donation of £6.