The Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology returns next week with events in Lancashire and online

The Festival of Archaeology, the UK’s biggest annual celebration of archaeology, will return to Lancashire this summer from July 16-31.

The Festival, which incorporates hundreds of in-person and virtual events around the UK, encourages its audience to discover the places and archaeology around them, unearthing the stories across different sites that make their local communities special.

Delivered by community groups, heritage organisations, universities and commercial units across the country, this year’s theme is Journeys which will flow throughout the 2022 Festival.

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA), who host the Festival, is expected to engage with over half a million people during the two-week period, and are hoping to beat their 2020 record of 505 events across the UK, and a digital reach of over 70 million.

What events are happening in Lancashire?

In Lancashire, throughout the festival, the public will be able to visit and take part in a dig at Lancashire’s Calf Hill, a “fascinating” site which contains evidence of occupation from prehistory to the present day.

Individuals of all ages and archaeological experience are welcome to attend, as training will be provided.

On Saturday July 23, Clitheroe Castle Museum are holding a host of free activities for the whole family.

What events are happening online?

There are over 600 events happening online, with most of them running throughout the festival.

They include self-guided walks, history trails, talks and competitions.

What do organisers say about the event?

Neil Redfern, Executive Director of the CBA, said “I’m so excited for the return of the Festival of Archaeology for 2022, with more events and activities than ever before. We hope that this will be our biggest and best yet, and would love as many people as possible to take part in the exciting and innovative events being held across the UK.

“Our theme of “Journeys” encourages people to discover the archaeology that is all around them, discover new journeys and share their own.

“We encourage as many people as possible to get involved, and to discover the events nearest to you, as well as virtual activities and downloadable resources via the Festival website”

Who else helps organise and fund The Festival of Archaelogy?

The Council for British Archaeology are collaborating with the National Trust and partnering with Forestry England, Wessex Archaeology, Bradford Museums, Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival, North Tyneside Council and European Archaeology Days to deliver events.

The Festival is also funded by principle partner Historic England, Cadw and the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars.

Additional sponsorship will be provided by the Royal Archaeological Institute, Antiquity, Towergate Insurance and CIFA.

Where can I find out more about The Festival of Archaelogy?

To discover more about events in their area, residents can visit the Festival page.

For queries and questions related to the Festival contact [email protected].

To find out more about archaeology, audiences are encouraged to join the Council for British Archaeology on social media on Friday July 22 using the hashtag #AskAnArchaeologist, and find out what it’s like to spend a day as an archaeologist through A Day In Archaeology on Friday July 29.