The Festival of Essex Archaeology and Heritage

A fantastic new and FREE festival for anyone with an interest in archaeology, history and the heritage of Essex – young and old.

Encounter some of the country’s leading experts and those involved in discovering, preserving and presenting the best of the county’s heritage. Meet experts and browse finds, enjoy children’s activities and re-enactments, talks, tours and so much more.

A programme of lectures and activities taking place throughout the day, including workshops with a children’s author, are now live to book!

Exhibitors confirmed so far: 

Burnham u3a Archaeological Group – sharing information about a current excavation

Colchester Archaeological Trust – see their life-sized replica Roman chariot!

Colchester Roman Society – meet Imperial Romans at the living history display, re-enactments and more

Eden Falconry – view beautiful birds on stands throughout the day plus two flying displays (times to be announced)

Essex County Council Place Services and Heritage Services

Essex Gardens Trust – find out more about the gardens of Essex

Essex Historic Buildings Group – browse the second hand books

Essex Industrial Archaeology Group, Essex Record Office and Essex Society for Archaeology and History

Essex Society for Family History – find out how to research your family history

Frinton & Walton Heritage Trust – uncover more about local geology and fossils

GeoEssex/Essex Rock & Mineral Society – explaining the origin and variety of flint and more on Essex geology

Harlow Museum – discover quizzes and games, and handle objects from the displays

Maldon Archaeological and Historical Group – metal detecting in the sand pit for children*

Museum of Chelmsford - enjoy a display of the museum's archaeology collection and craft activity

Oxford Archaeology East – Family-friendly interactive displays of artefacts from sites excavated in Essex

Portable Antiquities Scheme – learn how to identify finds and what to do if you find treasure

Rayne Heritage – explore Rayne Heritage Trail

Saffron Walden Museum – enjoy the excavation tray and display

Southend Museums – objects from collections and archaeology sandbox

Tiptree Tea Rooms – history of the Tiptree factory and cream tea boxes available to purchase

The Companye of Merrie Folke – meet the medieval re-enactment group in the restored Tudor walled garden with displays of weaving, old medicine and cooking

UCL Archaeology South-East – try on a suit of Roman armour, view artefacts and reconstruct an animal skeleton!

Wardell Armstrong/SLR Consulting – amazing artefacts and reproductions

https://www.explore-essex.com/whats-on/festival-of-essex-archaeology

Bookable talks here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-festival-of-essex-archaeology-heritage-2025-4301923