St Albans Roman Festival

This summer from Friday 21 – Sunday 30 June, join us and the city of St Albans as it discovers its Roman heritage during a 10-day festival with events fit for the whole family. Take a walk back in time to where it all began from the story of Alban, Britain’s first saint, martyred around 300AD: explore remarkable reminders of Roman life, from the Roman Theatre to the Roman ruins of Verulamium, and take part in all the amazing activities the city has in store for this special Festival!

Local businesses and venues are getting involved to make it a real community, city-wide event, including, but not limited to, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans Film Festival, the Alban Street Festival, St Albans Museums, The Roman Amphitheatre, The Pudding Stop and the Odyssey Cinema. Expect Roman-film showings, themed menus, historical city walks and talks, plays and performances, and much more! As just a small taster of what to expect, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks will be hosting a range of Roman themed events, from a Roman pub quiz led by Caesar Chris, to Roman barbecues; St Albans Film Festival will be showing Gladiator as part of their programme of films and the City guides will be leading special tours, ‘a Roman City revealed.’

Kicking off the Roman Festival on Saturday 22 June, St Albans Day, will be two amazing events in celebration of St Albans’ heritage. In the morning, magnificent 12ft carnival puppets take to the streets to re-enact the story of Alban, accompanied by a great procession– a spectacle of colour and celebration! The fun continues into the afternoon which welcomes the first Alban Fest, taking place on the Abbey Orchard, jam packed with free Roman-themed entertainment including live military battles, crafts, food, music and much more!

We hope you can join in the celebrations!