Roman fort to host action-packed weekend

A County Durham heritage attraction is preparing to welcome visitors for a bank holiday weekend of Roman re-enactments, cavalry displays and living history experiences.

Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, will host a three-day immersive event from May 23 to May 25, featuring Roman soldiers, artisan demonstrations and ancient battle displays.

Now part of The Auckland Project, the fort – once known as Vinovia – was founded around 80 AD and played a key role guarding Dere Street and the River Wear crossing.

The event will include large-scale cavalry performances from The Northern Horse, artillery demonstrations by Roma Antiqua and Germanic warrior encampments created by Re-enactment Mercenaries, as well as pottery-making demonstrations from Potted History.

Visitors will also be able to watch pottery-making demonstrations, meet archaeologists from the Portable Antiquities Scheme and handle genuine Roman artefacts.

Alongside the historical displays, families can take part in craft activities, guided tours and interactive experiences including dressing up as Roman soldiers and completing the fort’s new ‘Action Stations’ trail.

The bank holiday event comes as Binchester enters a new phase with upgraded visitor facilities, refreshed catering offer and a new gift shop aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

John Castling, archaeology curator at The Auckland Project and Binchester Roman Fort Manager, said: “Binchester is one of the most remarkable Roman sites in Britain and this re-enactment weekend is all about bringing that history to life in a way that is exciting, immersive and hands-on for visitors of all ages.

“Visitors will have the chance to experience what life at this fort may have looked and sounded like nearly 2000 years ago, making it a great family day out over the bank holiday weekend with something for everyone to enjoy.”

The re-enactment weekend is included with standard admission, priced at £8 for adults and £5 for children aged 5-15, and runs daily from 10am until 4.30pm.

Tickets can be booked online or purchased on arrival. For more information, click here.

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