Romans return to Northamptonshire for family festival of history at Chester House Estate

Heritage Sites and ArchivesEvents
Written By Lynne Dickens
Three 'Romans' at last year's event sitting near a tent

This June, history comes vividly to life as Roman Fest returns to Chester House Estate, promising its most ambitious programme yet. Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, the event is free to attend and open to all - with pre-booking essential due to high demand in previous years.

Now firmly established as a summer highlight in the county’s cultural calendar, Roman Fest is organised in partnership with the University of Leicester’s Heritage Hub and celebrates 400 years of Roman history connected to the estate. The 2025 edition will feature an even larger line-up of live demonstrations, hands-on activities, exhibitions and performances designed to immerse visitors in the world of Roman Britain.

Live archaeology, living history and Roman adventure

From Roman-style military displays to craft demonstrations, archaeology tours, and authentic hands-on experiences, this family-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to step into the past.

Festival-goers can meet Roman soldiers, handle real artefacts, try their hand at washing ancient finds, and witness live excavations at the site of the small Roman town of Irchester - all under the guidance of expert archaeologists, staff and students from the University of Leicester.

Men in Roman battle dress with weapons

Jane Bethea, Director of Public Health, Communities and Leisure at North Northamptonshire Council, said:

“The Chester House Estate has a fascinating past, including 400 years of Roman history, and Roman Fest really highlights this. This event is always the highlight of the Estate’s calendar and provides a fun day out for the whole family, whilst also providing a great insight into the world of Roman Britain. Roman Fest is always extremely popular, so I would encourage you to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.”

New for 2025: art, theatre and insect detectives

This year’s event introduces new theatre performances, an expanded Living History itinerary, and a pop-up exhibition of Roman-inspired artwork by students from Northampton College. The exhibition is inspired by both Roman life and the archaeological finds housed in the estate’s Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC).

Sarah Scott, Professor of Archaeology and Director of the University of Leicester’s Heritage Hub, added:

“We are delighted to be partnering on the Roman Festival at the Chester House Estate this June. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our collaborative research and archaeological expertise through guided tours of our live excavation and an interactive pop-up archaeology lab.

“In addition to popular favourites, such as demonstrations from the Ermine Street Guard, you can learn the basics of osteoarchaeology, examine real archaeological finds using microscopes and uncover the surprising role of insects in archaeology and health. There will be something for all ages.”

A festival of heritage for all

Roman Fest 2025 will also host stalls from over 35 local museums, archaeological companies, and heritage organisations from Northamptonshire and beyond, showcasing traditional techniques such as spinning, weaving, tile-making, bone crafting, pottery and Roman cooking.

Whether you’re fascinated by ancient history, want to experience archaeology in action, or are just looking for an unforgettable day out with the family, Roman Fest at The Chester House Estate is not to be missed.

Book your space today.

Lynne Dickens

Spot On Creative is a Northants-based creative team who have the hard-earned skills, expertise and industry knowledge that only come from having worked for years in advertising. It’s all managed by Lynne Dickens who has over 20 years’ experience in marketing communications, and ten years in website design and build, and creative team project management.

Lynne is also a qualified art historian and has some expertise in curating fine art exhibitions and producing all of the catalogues, posters and supporting material to create a successful event.

All the guys in our team have worked for one-man bands, SMEs and large blue-chip multinationals in just about every sector, field and industry. We can come up with great ideas, superb design and copy, and exceptional photography for anything from websites to email campaigns, branding to brochures – and everything in between.

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