A Roman Adventure at Jewry Wall

Live Roman displays, artefacts, family activities and hands-on history at Jewry Wall during the Riverside Festival on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2026.

During the Riverside Festival, visitors can also enjoy a special admission offer of just £10 for adults and £5 for children. (Day entry only)

Join us at Jewry Wall during the Riverside Festival for a hands-on journey into Roman Leicester.

We are delighted to welcome the Longthorpe Legion, who will be bringing Roman history to life on site with close-up displays of replica Roman armour, helmets and swords. Recreated using the same materials and designs as the originals, these pieces give visitors the chance to see and handle equipment as a Roman soldier would have done nearly 2,000 years ago.

Explore detailed battle dioramas showing the famous organisation and tactics of the Roman Army, including cavalry, archers, artillery, and the legendary Testudo formation. Learn how Roman discipline helped defeat Boudicca’s forces despite overwhelming odds.

Get up close to genuine Roman archaeology at our handling table, featuring first-century finds including coins, jewellery, images of Roman gods and even a rare Roman soldier’s bronze discharge certificate. This is a rare opportunity to hold objects once used by people who lived in Roman Britain.

We are also pleased to welcome the Friends of Jewry Wall, who will be attending with displays of Roman food, everyday life and fascinating Roman artefacts, giving visitors an even deeper insight into life in Roman Leicester.

Families can also take part in a Roman trail around the museum, with the chance to win a real Roman coin discovered by Warren Astley and his team of detectorists.