From Gladiators to Chariot Races: Roman Festival Takes Over Leeds

This weekend, the Royal Armouries Museum is going full toga party as the Roman Festival marches into Leeds from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 August. It’s free to attend (just book your tickets in advance), and it’s shaping up to be a Bank Holiday weekend worthy of the Colosseum itself.

The festival is part living history, part epic day out — think gladiator battles, chariot racing, hands-on crafts, and more sandals than you can shake a pilum at. Whether you’re a budding historian, a family looking for something different, or just fancy trying mead in the sunshine, this is your chance to step back nearly 2,000 years without leaving the city.

A Colosseum in Clarence Dock
In the museum’s impressive outdoor arena, the roar of the crowd will greet you as gladiators face off in thrilling combat displays at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm each day. Will you give them the thumbs up… or down? You can also meet the brave trainees in Death or Glory? — an interactive show where you help decide the fate of those seeking gladiator glory.

And that’s not all. The hilarious puppet show Androcles and the Tiger (at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm) puts a Roman twist on the classic fable, while Circus Minimus chariot racing sees pint-sized competitors dashing for victory several times a day.

Hands-On History
For those who like to get stuck in, the Roman Training Camp runs throughout the day, letting kids aged 5–12 learn sword-and-shield skills from professional instructors (don’t worry, Mum — no actual gladiators were harmed in the making of this activity). There are also craft workshops to make your own gladiator shield, and an archaeological dig pit for mini treasure hunters.

The Roman Forum Comes to Leeds
Over in Armouries Square, the festival’s Roman forum is buzzing with activity from 10 am to 4 pm daily. Try your hand at pottery or leatherworking, sample authentic Roman flavours, or take part in the delightfully named Sling yer, ’ook — a slingshot challenge that would make any centurion proud. Keep an eye out for the Bacchanalian Buffoons Festus and Flatus, whose antics will keep the whole family laughing.

For the grown-ups, the Nidhoggr Mead Co. will be offering tastings of this honey-sweet brew (18+ only — even the Romans had rules).

While You’re There…
Make time for the museum’s blockbuster exhibition Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum, featuring artefacts from Pompeii and Rome itself. Tickets start at £4 and include entry to the rest of the museum.

So, dust off your sandals, practise your Latin, and prepare to eat, drink, and cheer like it’s 99 AD. This Bank Holiday, Leeds is the new Rome — minus the flights and with a much better parking situation.

Images credit Royal Armouries, Roman Festival.