BGAS announced as Patron of the Festival of Archaeology 2026
We are delighted to announce that Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society will be joining us as a Patron of the Festival of Archaeology 2026.
Founded in 1876, BGAS is celebrating its 150th anniversary with BGAS150, a programme that looks not only to the Society’s remarkable history, but to the future of archaeology across Bristol and Gloucestershire. By supporting the Festival of Archaeology in 2026, they are also helping to share the region’s archaeology and stories with wider audiences, encouraging more people to discover, explore and connect with the places around them.
Speaking about the sponsorship, BGAS said:
“Reaching our 150th anniversary is a monumental milestone, but “BGAS150” is about much more than celebrating our rich past—it’s about actively investing in our future. Since 1876, our members have been at the heart of uncovering and protecting the archaeology and history of Bristol and Gloucestershire. We are proud to have launched our new small grants scheme to empower local communities to champion their own heritage projects, but also by sponsoring the CBA’s Festival of Archaeology we are ensuring our region's incredible stories can continue to inspire and engage people at a very public grassroots level.”
Neil Redfern, Executive Director of the Council for British Archaeology, said:
“Local archaeological societies are the lifeblood of archaeology. They bring people together, support local knowledge, and create opportunities for communities to explore the places and stories that matter to them. We are hugely grateful to BGAS for their support, and delighted to be working together during such an important anniversary year.”
The Festival of Archaeology is the UK’s biggest annual celebration of archaeology, bringing together events, activities and digital content from across the sector. Support from partners and patrons helps us continue to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved.
Find out more about BGAS150 and the work of Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society