Roman Holidays & Roman Festival (23-25 August)
Schedule
Sat, 23 Aug, 2025 at 10:00 am to Sun, 31 Aug, 2025 at 05:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT Leeds, United Kingdom | Leeds, EN
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People of Leodis, step back in time and experience the atmosphere and excitement of a day at the Roman games and experience a packed programme that will include something for all the family and all ages with a special Roman Festival during the August Bank holiday on the 23-25 August. Come and enjoy a day full of unforgettable moments all presented by our Roman Editor, the organiser of gladiatorial contests and entertainment.
Roman Holiday Programme
Daily Programme
Watch as our team of interpreters and combat experts bring history to life from Ancient Rome to the Second World War. Highlights include medieval combat, blank-firing demonstrations of Second World War firearms, and dramatic stories from war and conflict across the ages.
Up to five dangerously entertaining presentations every day. Check the daily programme on arrival at the museum.
Show: Death or Glory?
Don't miss this gladiator-themed show. Watch our Lanista, trainer and manager of gladiators, test the combat skills of a captured enemy of Rome. Thumbs up or thumbs down - you the audience will decide their fate!
12pm daily - Free
Museum Trail
Pick up a free VE Day-themed trail and explore the museum on a hunt for clues to crack the code.
Daily 10am to 5pm
Craft Activities
Make your own gladiator helmet to take home.
Daily 10am to 4pm
This is a free activity. Suggested donation £5
Royal Armouries reserves the right to alter the programme without prior notification.
Roman Festival Programme
Androcles and the Tiger: 11:30am and 2:30pm
Join our travelling players for an engaging puppet show, as they present a new spin on the well-known folk tale of a Roman slave who helps a wild big cat in the forest, and what happens when they later meet again in the bloody arena of the Colosseum in Rome.
Gladiator Combat: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
Find out about the different types of gladiator you might encounter in the arena, their weapons and fighting techniques.
Who will win and who will get the thumbs down from the crowd.
Circus Minimus: 10:30am and 1:30pm
Have-a-go at hobby horse chariot racing.
Make-and-take craft activities: 10am to 4pm
Think you could make it as a Gladiator? The right kit is the first step. Create your own helmet or shield to take home.
Dig Pit: 10am to 4pm
Calling all budding archaeologists! Have a go at digging up some history.
Death or glory? 10:30am and 1:30pm
Join our Lanista, a Roman gladiator trainer, as they assess our wannabe gladiator’s skills and decide what type of warrior he will make in the arena. You decide their fate – will they achieve
Gladiator glory or certain death?
Crime and punishment Talk: 12pm and 3pm
Join our expert to find out about crime was punished in ancient Rome.
Training Camp: Drop-in sessions at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Have you got what it takes to be a Roman Auxiliary in the Emperor’s army? Test your sword and shield skills in this interactive workshop.
Suitable for ages 5 t 12, maximum 30 per session. All children must be supervised. Sessions last approx. 20 minutes.
Out on the Square
Visit our ‘Roman forum’ and experience the excitement and pre-match atmosphere Roman citizens might have enjoyed before a major event in the Colosseum.
Activities and demonstrations throughout the day from 10am to 4pm will include:
The Potter Man: Watch Roman pottery techniques and have-a-go at making your own Roman-style token.
Leather Working Demonstrations
Tastes of History: Sample authentic recipes and the food of ancient Rome.
Sling yer, ‘ook A chance for budding slingers to practise the ancient Roman art of slingshotting.
Bacchanalian Buffoons: Watch out for Festus and Flatus who will bring a festival atmosphere as they regale and re-enact ridiculous recitations from both the magnificent and the insignificant.
Living History Displays
Blacksmithing Demonstrations
Free Admission to the museum but pre-book your tickets here to guarantee entry: https://bit.ly/3Gas1Tz
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Where is it happening?
Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT Leeds, United Kingdom, Leeds, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
