Castleford Roman Festival Offers Free Family Activities on 30 May 2026

This May Half-Term, families in Yorkshire have a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the Roman heritage of Castleford at the Castleford Roman Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday, 30 May 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm in Castleford Town Centre. Best of all, it's completely free and packed full of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy.

Discover Castleford’s Roman Past

Castleford, known to the Romans as ‘Lagentium’, has a rich history that visitors can explore through various engaging activities. The festival promises to be a fun-filled day, offering a chance to learn about the town's ancient roots while enjoying a variety of hands-on experiences.

Activities for All Ages

The festival will feature a bustling Roman Market where skilled artisans will showcase their crafts. Here, families can watch a carpenter demonstrate traditional Roman woodworking techniques, see how coins were made, and learn about the ancient methods of spinning, weaving, and dyeing cloth.

For those interested in guided tours, Castleford’s own Roman Legionary, Marcus Valerius Calvinus, will lead free walking tours throughout the day. These tours will begin at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm, lasting between 45 minutes to an hour. Participants will uncover the hidden history beneath the streets of modern Castleford, making it a fascinating experience for history buffs and curious minds alike.

Theatrical Performances and Workshops

Families can also enjoy an engaging theatre performance titled ‘A Day in Lagentium’. This interactive show will provide a glimpse into the daily lives of Roman soldiers and civilians, with performances scheduled for 11 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm. Importantly, all shows will feature a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the performance.

Young aspiring archaeologists will have the chance to dig for treasures with the Pontefract Young Archaeologists Club. This activity will teach them about excavation tools and archaeological techniques, allowing them to experience the thrill of discovery firsthand.

Crafts and Activities Galore

In addition to the main events, there will be plenty of fringe activities across the town. The Castleford Heritage Trust will be hosting a stone flour milling activity, giving visitors a taste of ancient food production methods. Meanwhile, Riverside Paint a Pot will offer Roman-themed craft activities inside Castleford Market, and Castleford Museum will feature Roman crafts along with opportunities to meet some time-travelling ancient Romans.

Another highlight will be the ‘Roman Mint of Lagentium’ workshop, where families can design and create their own Roman coins to take home as a memento of their day. With plenty of crafting options, creativity will be at the forefront of the festival.

Entertainment and More

Alongside all the educational and fun activities, festival-goers can enjoy free face painting and lively street entertainment throughout the day. This atmosphere of excitement and discovery promises to make the Castleford Roman Festival a fantastic grand finale to the May Half-Term holidays.

Cllr Lukasz Borcz, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, expressed enthusiasm about the event: “This is a great chance for local families to enjoy a fun, free day out and learn a bit about Castleford’s Roman past. There’s something for everyone – from hands-on activities and crafts to shows and tours – so I’d really encourage people to come along and get involved.”

The festival not only serves as a wonderful family day out but also highlights the importance of Castleford’s historical significance. It provides a platform for locals and visitors alike to appreciate and learn about the town’s rich Roman heritage in an enjoyable and interactive way.

For more information about the Castleford Roman Festival, including travel details and accessibility options, visit Experience Wakefield.