The Festival of Archaeology returns for 2026! 🏺🌲 From 18th July to 2nd August, the UK’s largest celebration of archaeology is back, and this year we’re exploring the connections between 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: @WestonbirtArb. 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. Alongside hundreds of events across the UK, this year’s Festival will include: 🖍 Youth Day & Youth Activity Day ▶️ This is Archaeology online lectures 🌼Theme Day activities 🏆@MarshAwards for Community Archaeology ❓Ask an Archaeologist and A Day in Archaeology will also be returning in a brand new form. ➕ And more! Keep a watch on our socials and website for more updates! Find out more about the Festival here 👉 lnkd.in/eVXG2eW4

Really enjoyable talk by Mathew Morris of ULAS about 500,000 years of archaeology found in Leics & Rutland. Organised by Sarah Ross part of #FestivalofArchaeology for uppinghamhistory.org.uk/ @archaeologyuk hard work paid off as a full house in venue even met another Frearson🙂

Red Team are off to be Building Detectives with our very own @DebbieFrearson out @ChesterHouse_UK. Lots of great buildings to explore on the site. I'm sure our Lidted Casework Team will be very jealous!!! 2/

It's been a busy busy day @ChesterHouse_UK exploring archaeology and wellbeing for this year's #FestivalOfArchaeology. We had loads of fun and learnt a few things along the way. @DebbieFrearson turned me into Building Detective 🕵️‍♀️ with her great activity. Till next year....

Amazing opening at @JewryWallRoman, saw @ArchaeologyUK president @Raksha_Digs, great interactive film and exhibition #FestivalofArchaeology

Question from Reddit: How often do listed buildings burn down, and how often do they 'burn down'? @AskAnArchDay #AskAnArchaeologist

I will leave that to others to find🤣 #AskAnArchaeologist

Calling all curious minds! Today is #AskAnArchaeologistDay, your chance to ask anything you’ve ever wanted to know about archaeology! 📱 Join the conversation on X, BlueSky, TikTok, and Instagram, just use the hashtag #AskAnArchaeologist or ask your question in the comments

🎁 Psst… want to win some archaeology-inspired goodies? Guess how many Festival events ran 2020 - 2024 to enter 👉 shorturl.at/7hrJN Closes 31 Aug | UK | 18

I enjoyed curating @archaeologyuk #FestivalofArchaeology Theme Day, interviewing people who have wonderful collections and producing a mindfulness museum of you session with Chris Jeavons of @uniofleicester . The YAC resources are amazing. archaeologyuk.org/festival/t…

🪙 “When you are at your lowest, sometimes cocooning yourself with familiar objects… can help you shut out the world.” For Neil Smith, collecting has always been a part of life. Discover Neil’s story and explore how collecting can support wellbeing 👉 shorturl.at/d2UbS

“Anyone can dig.” For Giselle Király, archaeology isn’t just about the past, it’s about helping people heal, connect, and rediscover themselves. Watch her interview and discover her collection 👉 shorturl.at/Gu9EI

🪖 What’s Not to Treasure? Meet Chris Kolonko Chris is an archaeologist specialising in the First and Second World War Home Front. Chris’s collection reflects a deep connection to this heritage and the importance of remembering it. 👉 shorturl.at/uRZYe

Not all treasures glitter… sometimes they’re the little things we gather along the way that hold the most meaning. For Jo Weafer, collecting shells, stones & seaglass is a way to slow down and find calm in nature.👉 shorturl.at/8EXLr

To celebrate the 2025 #FestivalOfArchaeology, @YAC_CBA has created a bumper pack filled with fun activities around this year’s theme: Archaeology and Wellbeing, co-created by young people for young people. 📥 Download your free pack👉 shorturl.at/3N5Ng

🌿 How can archaeology help wellbeing? It isn’t just about uncovering the past, it’s about how we connect to it. Whether it’s through exploring, handling artefacts, or sharing stories, archaeology offers a unique way to slow down, reflect, and feel part of something bigger.

What’s next for archaeology? Find out from the people shaping its future. On 30 July, the #FestivalOfArchaeology Student & Early Careers Conference returns, and you’re invited to explore the fresh ideas and emerging research set to shape the field👉 shorturl.at/wMOao

This is being recorded so will be available on Youtube soon.

🎉 Congrats to @bradford2025 on launching their year as UK City of Culture! We’re excited to bring the #FestivalOfArchaeology closing event to Bradford later this year 🏺 Join our AGM on 8th Feb to find out more and help us launch the 2025 Festival 👉 archaeologyuk.org/get-involv…