This May Half-Term go back in time at the Castleford Roman Festival

Taking place in Castleford Town Centre on Saturday 30 May 2026 from 10am-4pm, this free, family friendly festival celebrates the town’s Roman past.

Discover the rich heritage of ‘Lagentium’ (what the Romans called Castleford), through hands‑on activities, live entertainment, and immersive historical experiences.

Cllr Lukasz Borcz, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, said: “This is a great chance for local families to enjoy a fun, free day out and learn a bit about Castleford’s Roman past. There’s something for everyone – from hands on activities and crafts to shows and tours – so I’d really encourage people to come along and get involved.”

Festival‑goers can explore the bustling Roman Market, witnessing skilled artisans at work. Watch as a carpenter showcases the fine craftsmanship of Roman woodworking, witness coin making and see how Romans spun, wove and dyed cloth.

Castleford’s own Roman Legionary, Marcus Valerius Calvinus, will lead free, drop in guided walking tours, uncovering the hidden history beneath the streets of the modern town. Tours start at 11:30am, 12:30pm. 1:30pm and 2:30pm, lasting between 45 minutes to an hour.  
Families can enjoy the engaging theatre performance ‘A Day in Lagentium’, offering an interactive look at the daily lives of Roman soldiers and civilians. Performances will take place at 11am, 12pm and 2pm, with a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter at all showings.

Young archaeologists will enjoy the chance to dig for treasures with Pontefract Young Archaeologists Club, where they can learn about excavation tools and archaeological techniques.

There will also be plenty of fringe activity across the town. The Castleford Heritage Trust will be running a stone flour milling activity, the team at Riverside Paint a Pot will be offering Roman-themed craft activities inside Castleford Market and Castleford Museum will be hosting Roman crafts alongside a chance to meet some time-travelling ancient Romans.

Families can also enjoy the ‘Roman Mint of Lagentium’ workshop, designing and crafting their own Roman coin to take home.

Alongside free face painting and lively street entertainment, the festival promises a fantastic, grand finale to May Half-Term.

More information, including travel and accessibility, can be found at https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/castleford-roman-festival/