Coast to Capital announced as Patron of Past In Our Hands

We’re delighted to welcome Coast to Capital as the Patron of Past In Our Hands for the 2026 Festival of Archaeology!

Past In Our Hands is a new Festival series sharing short blogs, videos and social content from people involved in archaeology across the UK. From first digs to lifelong careers, it will explore the many different people, places and experiences that shape archaeology today.

Richard Hopkins, Managing Director of Coast to Capital, said:

"I am delighted that Coast to Capital is partnering with the Council for British Archaeology for the 2026 Festival of Archaeology and, in particular, to support Past In Our Hands as its Patron.

I believe that heritage and archaeology have an important role to play in shaping thriving places, strengthening communities and supporting long-term economic prosperity. They help us understand where we have come from, strengthen our sense of place and identity, and create destinations where people want to live, work, visit and invest.

By sharing the stories behind discoveries, from excavation and fieldwork to archives and research, Past In Our Hands celebrates not only our shared past but also the curiosity, knowledge, skills and collaboration that continue to shape our future. I have seen how transformational heritage can be in bringing people together, strengthening communities and creating a shared sense of place. That is why I am proud to support an initiative that recognises heritage not simply as a record of our past, but as a catalyst for learning, inspiration and sustainable growth, helping to create places that are richer, more resilient and more connected."

Sharing the people behind archaeology

Past In Our Hands is about making space for people across archaeology to share their experiences in their own words.

Some contributors will be at the beginning of their journey. Others will bring decades of knowledge and experience. Together, their stories will reveal the breadth of archaeology today and the many different people, skills and ideas that make it possible.

The series will also explore the ways people can engage with archaeology in everyday life, whether by volunteering, joining a local group, visiting a site, taking part in research or simply asking questions about the places around them.

We are extremely grateful to Coast to Capital for supporting this new part of the Festival and for recognising the important contribution archaeology and heritage make to communities, local identity and a shared sense of place.

Their support will help us bring more voices and experiences into the Festival, introduce audiences to the people shaping archaeology today and demonstrate that archaeology is something everyone can explore and take part in.

Get involved with Past In Our Hands

Are you involved in archaeology as a student, volunteer, specialist or professional? Share your experiences with us through a short film, blog post or story and help more people discover what archaeology is, who does it and the many different ways to take part.

Find out more and get involved below