A North Yorkshire museum hosted yet another successful Roman Festival last month, which proved to be a huge boost for local heritage.
Malton Museum welcomed people of all ages from across the country, as well as international visitors, to its fifth annual Roman Festival at the site of the old Roman fort in Orchard Fields.
With an outstanding line-up, it was Malton Roman Festival’s biggest re-enactment village and living history area yet, where Legionnaires and Roman Britons alike shared their knowledge of life in Malton around 200AD.
The Longthorpe Legion, based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, explored the religious and cultural significance of Mithraism, while Eburakon Reenactment, based in York, demonstrated life as a Roman civilian, including the functions of a Roman hand distaff and the fashioning of fine Roman jewellery.
Eburakon said: "We had a wonderful time once again at Malton Roman Festival! A big thanks to Malton Museum for putting on this amazing show."
The festival also included special demonstrations from Roman cavalry, which comprised the new addition of The Northern Horse, who said: "A huge thank you to Malton Museum, all you amazing volunteers and superb groups, speakers and traders for a fantastic event!"
Local researchers, academics, and archaeologists returned to share their abundance of knowledge, including MAP Archaeology, York Roman Bath Museum, York University, the Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society, and Dr Simon Elliott, some of whom gained new members.
Malton Roman Festival Co-ordinator Louise Lewis said: "I am so delighted that Malton Roman Festival V was enjoyed by so many people. The festival team works hard to ensure there is an element of interest to suit everyone so that the whole family can have a great day out together, learning about the Roman heritage on our doorstep.
"It takes a year of planning and a lot of work by a band of volunteers. We really couldn't do it without them, and I am so thankful to all of them for their generosity of time and energy to make sure the day went as planned."
Special guests included the creator of Horrible Histories and author of Revolting: A Riotous History of Rebellions and Revolutions, Terry Deary, who amused audiences with engaging anecdotes and book signing.
He said: "If Malton isn't the friendliest Roman Festival in the world, then it is certainly in the top one."
Despite the arduous journey, renowned author Lindsey Davis also appeared to discuss her latest book in the Flavia Albia series, Murder in Purple and Gold, with fans who patiently waited to meet her.
Lindsey said: "Well, Malton itself was great fun and thanks to all the people who diligently sat on hay bales waiting for me to appear after a nightmare of train delays that could have scuppered everything. We had a really nice event as the festival was being packed up around us."
With visitors from across the UK, Europe, and further afield, including Canada and Hong Kong, Malton Roman Festival V proved to be a successful event that generated widespread interest, boosting Malton Museum and the local area.
Chairman of Malton Museum Phil Crabtree said: "It was highly successful and we received many lovely comments from our visitors. A special thanks to Louise and her family, without whom the festival would not be possible."
Mayor of Malton Jason Aldrich said: "I was delighted to see it well supported. I can see potential to grow the event into the whole of Orchard Fields and Castle Gardens in time."
Malton Museum greatly appreciates the support given by North Yorkshire Council, Cllr Lindsay Burr, the Roman Society, Malton and Norton Lions Club, Malton and Norton Rotary, the Masonic Lodge, and Kemps Books.