Roman & Iron Age Festival – 1st August 2026
The Romans Are Coming to the Borders!
Get ready for a day of living history as the Roman and Iron Age worlds come to life in the Scottish Borders.
Meet Roman soldiers and Iron Age communities, explore ancient crafts and skills, and discover what life was like on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire nearly two thousand years ago.
With re-enactors, demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the day, the festival will offer a lively glimpse into the people, cultures and conflicts that shaped this region in the Roman period.
The Antonine Guard
The Antonine Guard will be encamped at the fort throughout the day, bringing the Roman military world to life with live demonstrations, displays and performances. Meet Roman soldiers on the frontier and discover the equipment, tactics and daily routines of the army that once occupied Trimontium including ballista demonstrations!
Pictavia Leather
Hamish Lamley of Pictavia Leather is a specialist in Pictish history and archaeology, known for his reconstruction work in hide tanning, leatherworking and coracle building. Hamish creates replica artefacts for museums, works as a historical consultant for film and television, and explores ancient tattooing traditions through his work as a licensed tattoo artist.
Pario Gallico – Iron Age Paints & Pigments
Thanks to modern archaeology, we know that paints were widely used during the Iron Age to decorate and protect objects, buildings and textiles. Pario Gallico will demonstrate how mineral pigments, paints and brushes were made using traditional techniques inspired by the ancient world.
Heritage Blades
Experience traditional blacksmithing techniques and see historical metalworking brought to life through live demonstrations inspired by the crafts and technologies of the past. https://www.heritageblades.co.uk
Wasted Remains Jewellery
Goldsmith and stone setter Rona Dalgleish of Wasted Remains Jewellery creates historical replicas, bespoke keepsakes and handcrafted jewellery inspired by Celtic history and archaeological finds. Using traditional techniques, recycled materials and locally sourced gemstones, her work connects ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Forge in the Forest
Step into the world of Iron Age craft with Forge in the Forest and discover how natural materials could be transformed into useful objects through skill, patience and ingenuity. Drawing inspiration from ancient traditions, they will be sharing hands-on activities and demonstrating techniques rooted in everyday Iron Age life.
Activities Throughout the Day
Alongside the living history camp, visitors will also be able to:
- Take part in participative archaeology activities
- Discover historical dowsing practices
- Join guided walks of the Trimontium fort site
- Explore authentic artefacts
- Enjoy workshops and live demonstrations
- Visit local food and drink vendors
- Book a special pottery workshop (add-on to your festival ticket upon checkout)
- and more!
Timetable of activities will be announced soon.
Workshops
A valid Festival entry ticket is required to register for Festival workshops.
Family Pottery Workshop
Make your own Iron Age clay pot using ancient techniques and air dry clay. The workshop ticket includes all materials and you can take your pot away with you.
Suitable for all ages, although smaller children may need some help from an adult.
Workshop runs at 10:15 am, 12:15 am & 2:30 pm. Booking in advance recommended, spaces limited.
30 minutes – Trimontium Craft Tent.
All participants need a valid Festival entry ticket to access the workshop.A
Fee: £3 per participant
Nettle String Workshop
Collect Nettles & Make Your Own Nettle String Bracelet. Run by Instinctively Wild
Find, prepare and craft your own nettles to create nettle string, which can then be used to make a bracelet. Step-by-step instructions, guided by your expert workshop leader.
The workshop runs at 11:15 am and 2 pm
90 minutes
Spots are strictly limited to allow for full participation in the activity. Booking in advanced strongly recommended.
All participants need a valid Festival entry ticket to access the workshop.
Fee: £5 per participant
Historical Dowsing Workshop
Learn the history of divining –aka dowsing–, its practical uses & materials. You’ll also get a chance to try divining for yourself, under the guidance of our experts.
The workshop ticket includes all equipment, you don’t need to bring anything.
Suitable for ages 14 years +
Approx. 50 minutes.
Sessions take place at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
FREE workshop – booking required. Places are limited for each session to ensure full participation.
All participants need a valid Festival entry ticket to access the workshop.
Supported by Historic Environment Scotland and our event partners and contributors.
