Roman cavalry, ancient artillery and Germanic warriors will descend on Binchester Roman Fort this August Bank Holiday as one of the North’s most important Roman sites comes alive for three days of spectacular living history from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August 2026.
Highlights include thrilling cavalry displays from The Yorkshire Knight and his magnificent horse Raven, artillery demonstrations from Roma Antiqua, Germanic warrior encampments and hands-on pottery making. Visitors can also meet archaeologists from the Portable Antiquities Scheme and handle genuine, rare Roman artefacts.
Alongside the re-enactments, families can enjoy craft activities, guided tours of the archaeological remains and explore Binchester’s new family-friendly interpretation, including the chance to dress up as Roman soldiers and archaeologists and complete the site’s new ‘Action Stations’ trail.
Visitors will also be able to tuck into fresh food throughout the weekend, with the popular Palace Pizza van returning to Binchester serving fresh, stone-baked sourdough pizzas, with food served between 12 noon and 4pm. A full menu will be available, with card payments only.
Now part of The Auckland Project, Binchester Roman Fort – once known as Vinovia – was founded around 80 AD and guarded Dere Street and the crossing of the River Wear.
Dr John Castling, Archaeology Curator at The Auckland Project and Binchester Roman Fort Manager, said: “There is no better way to understand Binchester than to see it filled with the sights and sounds of the Roman world again.
“This weekend will give visitors the chance to experience everything from cavalry and artillery to crafts and archaeology, while discovering the remarkable story of the people who lived and worked here almost 2,000 years ago.
“Binchester is one of the most significant Roman sites in the North and we want people of all ages to come along, get involved and see just how exciting its history can be – and bring your four legged friends along too!”
The event comes as Binchester enters a new chapter, with enhanced visitor facilities, a new gift shop and refreshed catering offer helping bring the Roman world to life for modern audiences.
The fort is home to some of the best-preserved Roman remains in Britain, including towering Roman walls, the commanding officer’s house and an extraordinary hypocaust underfloor heating system within its bathhouses.
The re-enactment weekend takes place from 10am to 4.30pm on from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August 2026.
The event is included with a Bishop’s Key, or with standard fort admission priced at £8 for adults and £5 for children aged 5-15. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on arrival.
For more information visit https://aucklandproject.org/
