The Festival of Archaeology returns for 2026!
Our Theme: Archaeology and Nature
From landscapes shaped by human activity to the plants, animals, and environments that shape archaeological sites, this year’s theme invites fresh ways of seeing the places around us.
We’ll be kicking off the Festival on the 18th July in a very fitting setting: Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, As home to one of the world’s most significant tree collections, Westonbirt brings together nature, research, landscape history, and long-term environmental change. The perfect place to explore how people and the natural environment have shaped one another over time.
What’s coming in 2026
Alongside hundreds of events across the UK, this year’s Festival will include:
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Youth Day & Youth Activity Day
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This is Archaeology online lectures
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Theme Day activities
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Marsh Awards
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Ask an Archaeologist and A Day in Archaeology will also be returning in a new form. More details coming soon.
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And more!
You’ll be able to find events happening near you and across the UK as they are added, here
We currently have two exciting events planned, which you can sign up for now:
Get involved as an organiser
Event and resource submissions are now open!
Whether you’re planning a guided walk, talk, excavation open day, creative workshop, or digital activity, the Festival is an opportunity to invite people to engage with archaeology - sometimes for the very first time!
Last year’s Festival achieved:
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64,381,381 digital reach during the fortnight
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101,441,273 reach across the wider campaign
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479 events delivered
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123,754 attendees
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250 organisations involved
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16% of participants engaging with archaeology for the first time
When you register as an organiser, you’ll gain access to branding, toolkits, guidance, and promotional support to help your event succeed.
