Castleford Roman Festival Returns: A Complete Guide to All the Activities and Events

Ever wondered what it was like to wander through a Roman settlement, right here in Yorkshire? Imagine swapping your trainers for sandals and your smartphone for a scroll. Well, get ready to do just that, because Castleford is about to take a massive step back in time. The much-loved Castleford Roman Festival is making its grand return on Saturday, 30 May 2026, and it promises a brilliant day out for everyone. From 10am to 4pm, the town centre will be buzzing with the sights and sounds of ancient Rome, offering a unique chance to discover the incredible Roman heritage hidden right under our feet. Best of all, it's completely free, so it’s the perfect event for families looking for fun without breaking the bank. This annual festival is a chance to find out about the town's past and enjoy a whole host of activities.

A trip back in time for everyone

This isn't your average history lesson from a dusty old book. The Castleford Roman Festival, organised by Wakefield Council, is all about getting stuck in and experiencing history first-hand. It’s a day designed for families to connect with their local heritage in a way that’s exciting and memorable. It’s not just about looking at things; it’s about doing, making, and exploring. The goal is to bring the ancient Roman town of Lagentium—the original name for Castleford—back to life for a day.

The event is a key part of the area's cultural calendar, contributing to local regeneration and economic growth by drawing people into the town. It's a fantastic showcase of the rich history the region has to offer. As Mark Lynam, Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director for Regeneration and Economic Growth, puts it: “At our popular annual festival visitors can find out more about life in Lagentium – the Roman name for Castleford. There’ll be plenty of hands‑on activities, live entertainment, and immersive historical experiences for everyone to enjoy.” This really sums it up; there will be so much for people of all ages to see and do, making it a truly unmissable event for anyone keen to discover the secrets of a bygone era and enjoy some top-tier entertainment.

What’s on at the Roman festival?

So, what exactly can visitors expect? A whole lot, actually. The day is packed with all sorts of Roman-themed fun and activities. There’s something to capture everyone’s imagination, from the history buffs to the little ones who just want to get their hands dirty. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the daily lives of both Roman soldiers and civilians.

Here’s a little taster of the main attractions you can enjoy:

• The Bustling Roman Market: Step into a vibrant market and experience the atmosphere of ancient Rome. Traders in period dress will be selling their wares, filling the air with the unique sights, sounds, and smells of a Roman market day. It's a chance to see, and maybe even buy, crafts inspired by the era.

• Guided Walking Tours: Fancy a stroll through history? Join Castleford’s very own Roman Legionary, Marcus Valerius Calvinus, as he leads free guided tours. He’ll help you uncover the hidden Roman history that lies just beneath the modern streets. It’s a brilliant way to discover the secrets of the past.

• Interactive Theatre: Families will love ‘A Day in Lagentium,’ an interactive theatre performance. It gives a glimpse into the daily lives of Roman soldiers and civilians, from what they ate for breakfast to life inside the military barracks. It’s history made fun and engaging.

• Become an Archaeologist for a Day: This is a huge hit with the young ones. The Pontefract Young Archaeologists Club will be on hand to let budding archaeologists dig for treasures. They’ll learn all about excavation tools and proper archaeological techniques from the experts. Who knows what they might find? It's a perfect activity for any young person interested in history.

More heritage and hands-on fun

The excitement doesn't stop there. The entire town gets involved, with a whole heap of extra activities to make the day even more special. The Castleford Heritage Trust will be running a stone flour milling activity, showing how Romans would have ground their grain. It’s a fascinating look at the technology of the time. Plus, other local spots are joining in on the Roman theme, with fringe activities planned at the Castleford Indoor Market and Castleford Museum and Library.

For those who love getting creative, the ‘Roman Mint of Lagentium’ workshop is a must-do. Here, families can design and craft their very own Roman coin to take home as a souvenir. It’s a great way to create a lasting memory of the day. Alongside all these scheduled activities, the streets will be filled with lively entertainment and even free face painting for the kids. With so much going on, the Roman festival promises to be a fantastic experience. It’s a chance for young and old alike to connect with their local heritage, enjoy some brilliant entertainment, and discover the amazing Roman history of Castleford.