The Romans Are Coming to the Borders!
EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL 31 MAY
Roman & Iron Age Festival – 1st August 2026
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.
Activities Throughout the Day
Alongside the living history camp, visitors will also be able to:
- Take part in participative archaeology activities
- Try archaeological divining techniques
- 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.
