One of County Durham’s largest and most important Roman forts will come alive this bank holiday weekend as cavalry soldiers, ancient artillery, artisan crafts and Roman warriors march on Binchester Roman Fort.
Visitors to the Bishop Auckland attraction from Saturday May 23 to Monday May 25 will be able to experience three days of immersive living history, with re-enactment groups from across the country bringing the story of Roman Britain vividly to life.
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.
The weekend will feature one of the UK’s largest Roman cavalry displays from The Northern Horse, alongside live artillery demonstrations from Roma Antiqua, Germanic warrior encampments from Re-enactment Mercenaries and pottery-making demonstrations from Potted History.
Visitors can also meet professional archaeologists from the Portable Antiquities Scheme and handle genuine 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.
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 2,000 years ago, making it a great family day out over the bank holiday weekend with something for everyone to enjoy.”
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 Saturday May 23, Sunday May 24 and Monday May 25.
The event is included 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/.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
