People of Leodis, step back in time and experience the atmosphere and excitement at our Roman themed holiday extravaganza. Enjoy the sights and sounds and tastes of Roman life as Rome comes to Leeds. 

Come and enjoy a day packed full of unforgettable moments all presented by our Roman Editor, the organiser of gladiatorial contests and entertainment. Explore Roman Myths through our living history presentations, have a go activities, enjoy our demonstrations, or make your own Roman token to take home. 

A packed programme will include something for all the family and all ages. You can combine your visit with our Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum Exhibition in the museum for an immersive, educational and fun Roman Bank Holiday experience.  

Highlights of the bank holiday weekend entertainments will include:

Androcles and the Tiger: 11:30am and 2:30pm
Join our travelling players for an engaging puppet show, as they present a new spin on the well-known folk tale of a Roman slave who helps a wild big cat in the forest, and what happens when they later meet again in the bloody arena of the Colosseum in Rome.

Gladiator Combat: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
Find out about the different types of gladiator you might encounter in the arena, their weapons and fighting techniques. Who will win and who will get the thumbs down from the crowd.

Circus Minimus:  10:30am and 1:30pm
Have-a-go at hobby horse chariot racing.

Make-and-take craft activities: 10am to 4pm
Think you could make it as a Gladiator? The right kit is the first step. Create your own helmet or shield to take home. 

Dig Pit: 10am to 4pm
Calling all budding archaeologists! Have a go at digging up some history.

Death or glory? 10:30am and 1:30pm
Join our Lanista, a Roman gladiator trainer, as they assess our wannabe gladiator’s skills and decide what type of warrior he will make in the arena. You decide their fate – will they achieve Gladiator glory or certain death?

Crime and punishment Talk: 12pm and 3pm
Join our expert to find out about crime was punished in ancient Rome.

Training Camp: Drop-in sessions at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Have you got what it takes to be a Roman Auxiliary in the Emperor’s army? Test your sword and shield skills in this interactive workshop.
Suitable for ages 5 to 12, maximum 30 per session. All children must be supervised. Sessions last approx. 20 minutes.

ON ARMOURIES SQUARE

Visit our ‘Roman forum’ and experience the excitement and pre-match atmosphere Roman citizens might have enjoyed before a major event in the Colosseum.

Activities and demonstrations throughout the day from 10am to 4pm will include:

The Potter Man: Watch Roman pottery techniques and have-a-go at making your own Roman-style token.

Leather Working Demonstrations

Tastes of History: Sample authentic recipes and the food of ancient Rome.

Sling yer, ‘ook A chance for budding slingers to practise the ancient Roman art of slingshotting.

Bacchanalian Buffoons: Watch out for Festus and Flatus who will bring a festival atmosphere as they regale and re-enact ridiculous recitations from both the magnificent and the insignificant.

Living History Displays

Blacksmithing Demonstrations

Mead Tasting (18+ only)

Royal Armouries reserves the right to alter the programme without prior notification. Please check the daily timetable on arrival at the museum.