Roman Week returns to celebrate Chichester's rich Roman heritage

The award-winning Chichester Roman Week is back this May half term, celebrating Chichester's vibrant Roman history with a packed programme of district-wide events.

Led by The Novium Museum and taking place from Monday 31 May until Saturday 5 June, this year's Chichester Roman Week is set to deliver a range of exciting events across the city and surrounding areas to entertain visitors of all ages.

Supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the week launches with a newly commissioned immersive theatre experience at The Novium Museum. '' takes place on Monday 31 May and will guide guests through an interactive journey around the museum. The first production of its kind to take place at the museum, visitors will encounter Roman history coming to life as they work together with the show's characters to save the day!

Other events on offer during the week include talks, guided tours, family activities, trails and workshops delivered by The Novium Museum and a range of cultural organisations across the District.

Cllr Roy Briscoe, Cabinet member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council, says: "Roman Week is an established highlight in the district's events calendar, and we are so pleased to be able to bring such a fantastic range of events back into Chichester City Centre and across the district again this year.

"As coronavirus restrictions begin to ease, it is wonderful to be able to hold these in-person events once again, following what has been a tough year for so many. All of our events will take place within Government guidelines and we thank our visitors for complying with our safety and social distancing measures. We hope that the programme of exciting and educational events taking place throughout the week will encourage visitors of all ages into the district to learn more about our unique and fascinating past."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chichester Roman Week 2020 was delivered virtually, which was recognised nationally in the Kids in Museums 'Family Friendly Award From Home', where the festival was shortlisted in the 'Best Social Media Activity' category.

Although most events will be delivered in person this year, a number of virtual events are included in the programme, including a virtual  with Caroline Nicolay, an Archaeology Interpreter and Living Historian specialising in ancient food. Caroline will present the changes in diet and culinary habits brought to Britain by the Roman conquest.

Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex Libraries, Pallant House Gallery, Butser Ancient Farm, Chichester Cathedral, Fishbourne Roman Palace, West Sussex Record Office, and Chichester Harbour Conservancy will also be running events throughout the week.

Chichester Roman Week 2021 will take place within Government guidelines relating to Covid-19 at the time of each event. For more information, and for a full programme of events, visit Chichester Roman Week . Due to covid-secure measures in place, capacity at each event is strictly limited and early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The Novium Museum will reopen to visitors on Tuesday 18 May in line with Government guidelines and online booking is now open. Admission is free of charge, with donations gratefully accepted. For more information, and to book, visit Plan your Visit.

Date of release: 12 May 2021