Roman Festival 2024

Roman Festival

Sunday 21st July

Join us for our third Roman Festival on Sunday 21st July 2024 from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, as we celebrate life in Roman Delgovicia a.k.a. modern day Malton and Norton with an action packed day full of fun for the whole family.

To book tickets visit our Malton Museum Shop

Please retain a copy of your ‘Order Confirmation’ ticket to present at the gate, unless you have been issued with an e-ticket.

Tickets are also avaiable at the gate, and we accept cash or card payments.

A colour photo of a mounted Roman cavalry rider charging into battle holding out his gladius (sword) heigh above his shoulder
© Danny Lawson PA

Living History

Our third Roman Festival will include live action demonstrations from the Roman Cavalry by Equistry, marching and battle sequences from Magister Militum, Roma Antiqua and Legio VI Victrix. These well known re-enactment groups will also have military encampments that demonstrate the changes in military equipment and Roman life throughout the 400 years of Roman occupation of Britannia. Being experimental archaeologists these groups live and breathe life in the ‘Legion’ of Roman Britannia, their equipment is as correct as current knowledge allows and they will happily chat about any aspect of Roman life.

A colour photo showing one member of Legio VI stepping forward well armed, and holding his pugio (dagger) whilst another is leaving their tent holding a horn
© Danny Lawson PA

Children's Activities

As last year there will be plenty to keep the children happy including mosaic making, wax tablet drawing, ‘archaeological digs’, learning some latin as well as being able to dress up as an Ancient Britain or a Roman Soldier. Our most popular activity is painting a sword and shield then ‘signing on’ to the Children’s Roman Army! A Centurion will put all recruits through their paces assisted by members of visitng legionnaires.

A colour photo showing Roman re-enactment by a small group of adults and children, all wearing Roman clothing
Friday 1st July 2022
Picture Credit Charlotte Graham
Staff and Children from the Roman Museum in Malton are dressed and ready to take part in the 2022 Malton Roman Festival

Roman Interest Groups

For the ‘grown ups’ there will be a ‘mini Malton Museum’ and displays from Roman interest groups in the region, such as Roman Roads Association, Yorkshire Archaeology & Historical Society, MAP Archaeology as well as the Battle of Stamford Bridge Heritage Society who will be bringing some axes for throwing and Fridaythorpe, Fimber and Wetwang Archaeology Project who will be bringing a magnetometer for you to try. This year we have even more Roman themed authors for you to meet. Adult Fiction writers Simon J Turney, Nick Brown, Nancy Jardine and Clive Ashman will be together with Latin author Julian Morgan and kids author Kate Cunningham who brings her ‘Vlad the flea in time’ stories of Ancient Rome.

A colour photo showing two mounted cavalry riders, one on a white horse, the other on a black horse - both riders are raising their weapons ready to charge
© James Glossop, The Times

Refreshments

We will of course have food and drink on offer, the Bistro Guy is bringing his sour dough pizzas and ices creams are provided by Bertie and Mabel, and Ryedale Vineyards will be there too with their ‘Delgovicia Taverna’, and Carols Sweet Treats.

Other Information

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

Please note: there is no parking onsite, we have used the whole field for the festival.

To arrange disabled parking options contact: [email protected]

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.

A colour photo showing eight Roman soldiers marching from right to left alongside their camp - the second soldier is blowing into a large horn
© James Hardisty, Yorkshire Post

How to get tickets

To book tickets visit our Malton Museum Shop

How do I get there?

Car Parking

There is parking available at Tate-Smiths 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

Journey planners – for those not using a SatNav, various online journey planners are available, such as AA Route Planner

A colour photo showing a cavarly rider stand with a black horse to the left and a white horse to the right
© James Glossop, The Times

Ways to Sponsor The Event

BACKING OUR BALES!

Would you like to be an important part of our Roman Festival?

This year, for the first time, we are hoping to create a special Festival Speaker’s Zone to feature authors, historians, and archaeological specialists and we want to create seating for everyone who would like to come and enjoy our fantastic programme on the day. As our Festival is located on top of the remains of  Malton Roman Fort, we cannot use normal chairs, so instead will be seating everyone on a bale of hay – and that’s where you come in! To make sure we have enough seating for everyone, you can sponsor a bale of hay for just £5 and have your name listed as a sponsor at the Festival and on our website.

So ‘Back a Bale’ bench and donate £5 via our link here.

 

 

Opportunities for Businesses

GIVE A LITTLE – DO A LOT

As we celebrate the 3rd year of our popular Roman Festival, we recognise that many businesses cannot afford to donate large amounts of sponsorship , which is why we are asking for just £50 to help develop our Festival for everyone in Malton, Norton and the surrounding areas to enjoy.

For your donation you will receive an invitation to our sponsors evening at Malton Museum, to have a private view of the collection, meet the Trustees and enjoy a drink with a Roman Legionary or two! Plus, your logo will appear in our Festival programme as one of our sponsors.

To ‘Give a Little’ and ‘Do a Lot’ donate via our link here.

MAJOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We are also offering businesses the opportunity to be a major sponsor for the Festival, find out more here.

 

Volunteer On The Day:

Would you like free entry for yourself to the festival?

You just need to join our band of stewards and volunteer for a minimum of 2 hours between 6am set up to clear up after the event. Training is provided and must be completed by all volunteers before the day.
To volunteer email us at: [email protected]

A colour photo showing two mounted cavalry riders one on a white horse, the other on a black horse stand ready for action
© James Glossop, The Times

Spread the word

If you would like to let other people know about our Roman Festival, share it either via social media
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