DiverCity: Rotherham

This summer, young people in Rotherham and along the South Coast are being invited to dive into something truly unforgettable—literally! The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) and MSDS Marine are thrilled to announce the launch of the DiverCity Programme, a series of free, hands-on events that offer young people the chance to explore the mysteries of the deep through exciting SCUBA try-dives and immersive experiences in maritime archaeology.

Thanks to funding from the BigGive Christmas Challenge, DiverCity kicks off in July 2025, coinciding with the Festival of Archaeology and supporting the aims of Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture.

Rotherham: From Inland to Ocean Explorer

The first DiverCity events will make a splash at Maltby Leisure Centre in Rotherham on Saturday 19th July (1–5pm) and Sunday 20th July (12–4pm). These pop-up sessions are specially designed to inspire the next generation of “ocean guardians”—young people who will help care for both our natural and cultural marine environments.

While Rotherham might be far from the sea, it’s the perfect setting for this pioneering programme. As an inland town with a rich cultural tapestry and limited access to maritime heritage, Rotherham is full of young people who have never had the chance to connect with the underwater world—until now.

Free SCUBA try-dives are being delivered by local dive experts Dream Divers, and pre-booking is required. But even if you’re not ready to take the plunge, there’s plenty to explore! Families and visitors can:

• Try on real diving equipment

• Experience a virtual reality dive on a protected wreck site

• Get hands-on with maritime archaeology activities

• Meet professional archaeologists from NAS and MSDS Marine

• Discover how to get involved in protecting our underwater past

A Festival of Discovery for All

DiverCity is all about accessibility, inclusion, and inspiration. It’s designed to break down barriers—financial, geographic, and cultural—that often prevent young people from exploring the UK’s rich underwater heritage.

With support from Places Leisure and the wider Children’s Capital of Culture programme, DiverCity will connect young people to skills, science, and stories that could shape their futures.

For bookings and more information, visit https://www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/divercity-programme

Let’s dive into history—together.