Festival of Archaeology, 26~27 July 2025

Back with a showground of living history, archaeology, talks, fun and entertainment, another summer weekend at the museum filled with something for all ages.

Appearing at this year’s showground (in no particular order) are:

> Cotswold Archaeology with some archaeological methods for you to try as well as information on the work they have been carrying out.

> The Ancient Wessex Network with their encampment full of experimental archaeology including flint knapping and bronze casting. Many of their beautiful crafts are for sale.

> The House of the Hound and Falcon, will be encamped in the museum grounds to show visitors crafts and skills from the medieval period. Expect swords and armour!

> Wiltshire Museum will be with us for information on their stunning collection and a craft activity for all ages. The director will be delivering a talk on Saturday morning.

> English Heritage, Stonehenge will join us with information on the world-famous stones, along with their impressive Neolithic handling collection

> The Friends of Clarendon Palace will have a display with information on the history of Salisbury’s long lost royal palace. Professor Tom James will be delivering a talk on the palace on Sunday.

> The Portable Antiquity Scheme will be showing their important work in identifying and recording the thousands of historic artefacts that are discovered every year.

> Young Archaeology Club is always a great stand to visit for a fun activity to try and to learn about YAC’s work in introducing the next generation of archaeologists.

> Salisbury Cathedral Education Department are firm favourites at the festival with opportunity to create your own clever craft to take away and hear about the work of the cathedral’s education department.

> The Rifles Museum will be bringing along items from the collection for you to see and try. A good opportunity for a military uniform selfie!

> Avon Valley Archaeological Society will be championing local archaeological societies and showing what work they have recently been undertaking.

> Historic musician Jonathan Weeks will be our strolling minstrel for the weekend. When not entertaining us he will be greeting visitors with information on his self made historic musical instruments

> The group representing Sir William Norris knight of West Berkshire will be encamped in the museum grounds, showing their collection and knowledge of this period of medieval history.

> Karen Mizak from Opalmizak stained glass showing her work in restoring, repairing and producing stained glass.

> Jake Greenfield, thatcher will be showing this ancient craft which is still very much alive today.

> Andrew Ziminski, stone mason and stone restoration expert will be demonstrating his skills on a ‘Green Man’ piece he is currently working on.

> Well-City Salisbury – Art Club on tour! Join Leigh and Zoe from W-CS for a creative drop-in session where art meets archaeology, ecology and nature.  Make a zine to record your experiences over the course of the day or try your hand at one of the activities from W-CS participant well being pack.

> TWO Bird Experience workshop looking at the connections between raptors and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Real owls will be present! Sunday afternoon only.

> Museum Café serving hot and cold drinks and delicious food all weekend.

> Cranborne Chase Cider will be serving their delicious drinks from the horse box bar. Saturday only.

> NJAC Bars will be serving refreshing festival drinks in the beautiful museum gardens . Sunday only

… And more!!!

See you all at the festival!