Roman history comes to life in Chichester this May half term

 Chichester Roman Week returns this May half term with five days of talks, tours, workshops and hands-on activities, giving people of all ages the chance to explore Chichesters rich Roman past.

 

Now in its tenth year, Chichester Roman Week will be back from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May 2026, with a varied programme designed to appeal to all ages. Families, history enthusiasts and visitors to the area will find plenty to enjoy in the programme, created by the team at The Novium Museum in collaboration with partners across Chichester District. 

 

For many, the highlight of Chichester Roman Week is the Roman Re-enactment Day in Priory Park. This free, family-friendly event returns on Thursday 28 May, 10.30am to 4pm, with leading re-enactment group Legio Secunda Augusta bringing Roman history to life with interactive demonstrations showing how the Romans lived, fought and trained.

 

Away from the re-enactment arena, there will be plenty more to see and do throughout the day, from have-a-go archery to Latin taster sessions, inspiring young visitors to learn how to speak like a Roman in The Guildhall. Food, drink and a pop-up museum shop with souvenirs and gifts will also be on-site, so visitors can make a day of it. For more information about the Roman Re-enactment Day, visit: www.thenovium.org/reenactment

 

Families with young children aged between 4 and 11 can discover Roman history through a series of other events hosted by The Novium Museum throughout the week, including Roman Storytelling with Red Sauce Theatre on Wednesday 27 May (sessions at 10.15am and 11.30am, £6 per child and £2 per adult); Roman Family Walk and Sketchthrough Chichester city centre (Friday 29 May, 10.30am, £7.50 per child and £5 per adult); and Decorate Your Own Mini Terracotta Pot workshop inspired by traditional Roman designs on Saturday 30 May (£7 per child). For more information on all of these events and to book, visit: www.thenovium.org/romanweek/fa...

 

For adults, a series of talks, tours and walks offer a variety of ways to explore Roman history in more depth, whether they are already interested in the subject or simply curious to find out more. The programme includes evening talks at The Novium Museum starting with The Roman Gladius with Dr Jaime Kaminski of Sussex Archaeological Society(Tuesday 26 May, 6pm, £8 per person) and The Decline and Fall of Roman Britain with local historian Trevor Creighton (Friday 29 May, 6pm, £8 per person).

 

There are also two guided tours to choose from. Firstly, a Roman Highlights Tour at The Novium Museum on Tuesday 26 May (2pm, free) and a Collections Store Tour at Fishbourne Roman Palaces Collections Discovery Centre on Wednesday 27 May (2pm, £3 per person). For more information on the walks, tours and talks, visit: www.thenovium.org/romanweek/ta...

 

Roman-themed events will also be hosted by partner venues across the district, including Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery and Chichester Harbour Conservancy.

 

Cllr John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council, says: Roman Week is a recognised and much-loved fixture in the districts calendar, and were delighted to see it return for another year. Chichesters Roman history is part of what makes the city so distinctive, and this programme gives people of all ages the chance to explore that history in interesting and accessible ways. From free family activities in Priory Park to talks, tours and workshops across the district, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

 

For the full Chichester Roman Week programme and booking information, visit: www.thenovium.org/romanweek