Biggest ever archaeology festival!
17th July – 1st August 2010

The Country's biggest ever archaeology festival is taking place in Leicestershire this Summer with more than 110 different events being staged over a fortnight across the region.

Coordinated by Leicestershire County Council, the extravaganza of heritage events will give people the unique chance to discover and explore their local history. Organisers will be staging a multitude of digs, guided walks, talks, exhibitions, re-enactments and fun days to draw the public into the world of archaeology.

From soaking up the the sights, sounds and smells of medieval England as Captain Mortimer and les Routier de Rouen (Re-enactors depicting French mercenaries that fought under the command of Captain Mortimer in the Battle of Bosworth); taking a step back 2000 years to discover what life was like for a Celtic tribe; and meeting Roman soldiers returning from the invasion of Britain in AD43! - the festival is one not be missed.

Leicestershire is steeped in history and is most famously known worldwide for its recent discoveries of the actual site of the Battle of Bosworth and for one the worlds biggest hoards of gold and silver coins ever found!

Some of the highlights of the festival include:

• A series of events around the Hallaton Hoard. At Hallaton itself a superb exhibition by the people who found it, telling the exciting story of the discovery of the Hallaton Treasure by a group of amateur fieldwalkers. These included approximately 5,500 coins, a rare Roman cavalry parade helmet, a silver bowl and other precious items. Other events at the main exhibition at Harborough Museum
• A series of events around the ground breaking archaeological survey that found the real site of the Battle of Bosworth including talks and a 2km guided walk exploring the battle, the death of King Richard III and the unlikely victory of Henry Tudor.
• An opportunity to step into the dark ages and discover Anglo Saxon and Viking life and death, warfare and games at Donington le Heath Manor House and Melton Museum.
• An event on Leicestershire Before The Romans, featuring crafts and re-enactments.
  
  

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, said: "This is the biggest festival ever in England that is dedicated to bringing the past to life and informing people of our archaeological heritage in the United Kingdom . We have made some ground-breaking discoveries in Leicestershire that have achieved worldwide interest and the fesitval enables us to share this knowledge with everyone.

"The two weeks are going to be full of exciting events for people of all ages and backgrounds, with plenty of hands on experiences. I would encourage everyone to put these dates into their diaries as these events are not be be missed!"

The festival is supported by Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Museums Archaeological Fieldwork Group and Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society.

A full list of all the events is available at: www.leics.gov.uk/archaeologyfestival

Or alternatively, please pick up a leaflet listing the events from museums, libraries and Tourist Information Centres or call: (0116) 305 8326.