Randall Plant announced as Digital Sponsor for the Festival of Archaeology 2026
The Council for British Archaeology is delighted to announce Randall Plant as the Digital Sponsor for the 2026 Festival of Archaeology, the UK’s biggest celebration of archaeology.
Running from 18 July to 2 August 2026, this year’s Festival explores the theme Archaeology and Nature, inviting people across the UK to discover the stories, landscapes, buildings and places around them through hundreds of events, activities and digital content.
Randall Plant is an established UK plant hire, logistics and enabling company with more than 50 years of experience supporting construction, infrastructure and archaeological projects across the country. Alongside plant hire and logistics, the company also provides specialist archaeological support services, working closely with archaeological teams on excavation and development projects.
As Digital Sponsor, Randall Plant will support the Festival’s growing online reach and help connect even more people with archaeology through digital storytelling, resources and accessible online experiences.
The Festival of Archaeology brings together community groups, museums, archaeologists, heritage organisations and volunteers to create opportunities for people of all ages to explore archaeology in ways that are meaningful to them, whether that’s through a local walk, a talk, a digital event, or discovering the history of a place they pass every day.
Kerry, Managing Director of Randall Plant said:
“We’re really pleased to be sponsoring the Festival of Archaeology this year as Digital Sponsor. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help raise awareness of this year’s theme, Archaeology and Nature, and highlight the importance of the stories, landscapes and places around us. At Randall Plant, we work closely alongside archaeologists to support the vital work of uncovering our shared history. We understand the skill, care and precision required for excavation, and we take great pride in our experience supporting projects across the UK.”
Neil Redfern, Executive Director of the Council for British Archaeology, said:
“We’re really pleased to have Randall Plant supporting the Festival in 2026, the use of mechanical diggers is an essential part of the archaeological process to help remove soil and help reveal deeper archaeological deposits. Their existing connection to archaeology through the projects they support across the UK makes this partnership feel like a natural fit, and their support will help us continue creating digital experiences that bring archaeology to wider audiences in engaging and creative ways.
The Festival of Archaeology is about helping people connect with the stories, landscapes and places around them in ways that feel meaningful and accessible. Digital content has become a hugely important part of that, whether someone is discovering archaeology for the first time through a short video, joining an online event, or exploring stories connected to places they know and care about”
In 2025, the Festival reached more than 100 million people digitally and welcomed over 120,000 attendees to events across the UK, with one in six visitors discovering archaeology for the very first time. The 2026 Festival will build on this momentum with a programme of in-person and online events, alongside new digital content including The Past In Our Hands, a short-form video campaign sharing the voices and experiences of archaeologists working across the sector today.
More information about the Festival of Archaeology can be found at archaeologyuk.org/festival.html
About Randall Plant
Randall Plant Ltd is a family-run UK business with over 65 years of experience in plant hire, logistics and enabling works. Operating nationwide, the company supports a wide range of construction, infrastructure and archaeological projects, offering reliable, specialist solutions tailored to site needs.
Recognised as a one stop shop for archaeological site support and set-up, Randall Plant works closely with archaeological teams to provide everything from plant and operated machinery to site logistics, enabling works and ground support. The company also supplies experienced managers and skilled labour, helping to ensure sites are run safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
In addition, through its Repose Contractors division, Randall Plant delivers respectful and professional support in the excavation and handling of human remains. With a strong reputation built on experience, professionalism and collaboration, Randall Plant is proud to support the work of uncovering and protecting the UK’s heritage.
