Families can step back in time nearly 2,000 years this summer as a free Roman festival takes over Leicester city centre. The Roman Around Leicester event promises an exciting line-up of hands-on activities, creative workshops and archaeological experiences. Visitors will get the chance to discover what life was like in the city during Roman times.
Activities and Workshops
The University of Leicester Heritage Hub will set up a base at the LCB Depot for the afternoon. Families can enjoy building and destroying a model Roman city, making historical arts and crafts, and playing ancient games. People will also be able to handle genuine Roman remains, explore ancient fashion trends, and engineer a working aqueduct. Children can even try their hand at writing on wax tablets, decorating traditional scrolls, and learning about old shoe-making techniques.
Free Transport and Venues
Free rickshaw rides dressed up as Roman chariots will be available to help transport people between the different venues. The event is running as part of the CQ Earlies monthly programme of free family activities across the Cultural Quarter.
Quotes from Organisers
Professor Sarah Scott, director of the University of Leicester Heritage Hub, said: “Roman Around Leicester is a fantastic example of sustained partnership working. Collaboration with LCB Depot and Cultural Quarter organisations has grown into a brilliant city-wide programme. Many of the activities are inspired by University of Leicester research on Roman Leicester. This event also offers exciting opportunities for our students. Through the Heritage Hub Ambassador scheme and Events internships through the Careers Service, they are not just supporting delivery but actively learning how to design, plan and run high-quality public events.”
Chris Slowe, programme co-ordinator at LCB Depot, added: “Kicking off the summer with our Roman themed family day is one of the highlights of the year. This year the addition of Jewry Wall Museum give us a direct link back to Leicester's Roman past via the museum designers, one of LCB Depot's tenants, Hayley Sharpe Design's free workshop.”
Event Details
Event information: Date: Saturday, July 11. Location: Cultural Quarter and various venues across Leicester, including LCB Depot, Curve, Phoenix, Two Queens, Leicester Print Workshop, Central Library and Jewry Wall Museum. Cost: Free (Jewry Wall Museum is also offering reduced ticket prices for the day). To find out more or to book tickets, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/roman-around-leicester-tickets-1991915863970?aff=oddtdtcreator.
