Archaeology festival happening in Bradford District park this weekend.

This weekend, there will be a Festival of Archaeology held in a Bradford District park, promising a range of exciting events for visitors. The Council for British Archaeology organizes this annual festival, which will reach its peak at Cliffe Castle in Keighley. The two-day free event, aimed at families, focuses on this year’s theme of wellbeing and will offer various interactive activities, courtesy of Bradford Council’s Museums and Galleries service.

Visitors to Cliffe Castle Park will have the opportunity to explore Stone Age history through demonstrations by Ancientcraft, engage in textile and pottery crafts, join a walking tour, and even learn how to play musical stones. Additionally, Bradford 2025 will showcase their Beacon venue at Cliffe Castle Park, hosting a series of events as part of the festival.

In the lead-up to the grand finale weekend, a series of events, talks, and activities have been planned to generate excitement. Children will be able to participate in special activities designed for ages under five, such as kinetic sand play, dinosaur eggs, and archaeological adventures. Furthermore, families can turn into archaeology detectives and analyze climate change closely. The festival will also feature talks by local and national archaeological experts, including Dr. Jill Cook FSA from The British Museum, who will discuss the Ice Age Art Now exhibition currently displayed at Cliffe Castle Museum, and Gavin Edwards providing insights into the iron-age Silsden Hoard.

Dr. James Wright FSA, a renowned buildings archaeologist, will conclude the series of talks by exploring various aspects of building folklore, ranging from secret passages to ships’ timbers. Local artist Jessica Swift will lead workshops where attendees of all ages can create a coil pot or experiment with clay.

The Festival of Archaeology coincides with the British Museum Partnership Exhibition Ice Age Art Now at Cliffe Castle Museum, running until September 14. This exhibition showcases some of the oldest art discovered in the UK, with objects dating back as much as 24,000 years.

Executive Director of the Council for British Archaeology, Neil Redfern, expressed his enthusiasm for closing this year’s festival at Cliffe Castle, highlighting the museum’s rich exhibits and the park’s picturesque setting. Acknowledging Bradford as the UK City of Culture, he invites everyone to join in, get inspired, and witness how archaeology can ignite curiosity and imagination.

Overall, the Festival of Archaeology promises a weekend of engaging activities, educational talks, and hands-on experiences that celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of the Bradford District. Through interactive events and insightful discussions, visitors will have the chance to delve into the fascinating world of archaeology and uncover the stories of the past.