BIRDLIP ROMAN FESTIVAL RETURNS BIGGER THAN EVER AS AN ANCIENT TREASURE COMES HOME AND ROMAN LEGIONS MARCH

Birdlip, Gloucestershire

Following the resounding success of last year's inaugural event, the Birdlip Roman Festival returns on Sunday 16 August 2026 with an even bigger celebration of the village's remarkable Roman history - including a very special homecoming.

One of the highlights of this year's festival will be the arrival of two specially produced replicas of the famous Birdlip Mirror, generously provided by the Museum of Gloucester. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see the mirror, both as it appears today and as experts believe it would have looked when it was first crafted nearly 2,000 years ago.

Discovered near Birdlip in the nineteenth century, the Birdlip Mirror is one of Britain's most
significant Iron Age artefacts. Its return to the village, in replica form, creates a powerful connection between the local community and one of Gloucestershire's most important archaeological treasures.

While the festival celebrates Roman Britain, it will also shine a light on the rich Iron Age heritage of the region and the people who lived here before the arrival of Rome. The Birdlip Mirror provides a fascinating link between these worlds, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of Iron Age Britain and offering a glimpse into the societies that flourished in the Cotswolds before Roman rule.

Through interactive exhibits, talks and displays, visitors will explore the lives of the region's ancient communities, including the Dubunni tribe, and discover how local people lived, traded and adapted as Roman influence spread across Britain.

Festival organisers are building on the momentum of last year's hugely popular event, which
attracted visitors from across the region and beyond, establishing Birdlip Roman Festival as one of Gloucestershire's most exciting heritage celebrations.

This year's programme will once again feature spectacular Roman military displays, living history encampments, archaeology exhibits, family activities, traditional crafts, traders, food and refreshments, bringing the ancient world vividly to life for visitors of all ages.

A major attraction will be the Forum, where visitors can meet experts and explore displays from Museum of Gloucester, Corinium Museum, Chedworth Roman Villa, Cotswold Archaeology and Gloucester Archaeology. Together they will showcase the rich archaeological heritage of the region and provide fascinating insights into Roman life in Gloucestershire, as well as the Iron Age communities that preceded it.

Visitors can also enjoy a programme of fascinating talks in the festival's Theatre, featuring experts sharing stories, discoveries and insights from the Roman world, Iron Age Britain and the wider ancient landscape of Gloucestershire. The Market Place will showcase a mix of modern day and traditional traders.

The renowned Ermine Street Guard will once again bring history to life with authentic Roman
military displays, living history demonstrations and a spectacular march along Ermine Street,
recalling the movements of Roman troops through the area nearly two millennia ago.

Think it’s all about the Romans? Think again!

Step into the Iron Age camp, where you’ll discover how our ancestors lived and ancient warriors trained and hunted. Young adventurers can even try throwing an authentic javelin... under expert guidance!
"The response to our first festival exceeded all expectations with a thousand visitors attending" said organisers. "This year we're delighted to welcome visitors back for an even bigger event and to showcase something truly special. Seeing the Birdlip Mirror return to its home, both as it survives today and as it would have appeared in its original splendour, will be a memorable moment for everyone attending."

Set in a village whose history is deeply intertwined with Roman Britain and the ancient Ermine Street, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the people, culture and stories that shaped the Cotswolds nearly two millennia ago.

Festival Highlights
• The Market place with a mix of modern day and traditional traders and crafts
• Exclusive display of the Birdlip Mirror replicas
• Roman military reenactments by the Ermin Street Guard
• Discover stories and experience the Iron Age and Dubunni tribe
• The Forum featuring leading museums and archaeological organisations
• Talks and presentations in the Theatre
• March along Ermine Way
• Found a coin – get it identified by our expert
• Archaeology and heritage exhibits
• Family activities and hands-on experiences
• Food, drink and refreshments will be available throughout the day

Event Details
Birdlip Roman Festival
Sunday 16 August, 10am – 5.30pm
Ruby’s, Hawcote Barn, Birdlip, Gloucestershire GL4 8LH
Ticket Prices
• Adults: £10
• Children: £5
• Under 3s: Free
• Discount family tickets and onsite parking available. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
We are committed to making the festival as accessible as possible for all visitors. Accessible toilet facilities and priority parking will be available on site. However, as the event takes place in open fields, some areas may contain uneven ground and natural terrain, which visitors should bear in mind when planning their visit.
For one day only, history returns home to Birdlip.

 

Tickets should be purchased in advance to avoid disappointment from: Birdlip Roman Festival Tickets

 

Birdlip History Society

See all listings from Birdlip History Society

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