Press Releases

A battle between the Romans and the Celts will be the highlight of the National Roman Legion Museum’s programme of summer events. On 22 and 23 August 2015, the Roman garden will be transformed into a battleground between the two sides. Two camps, one Roman, one Celtic. Both sides will tell you why they think they should win, but which will you choose?

The camps will be open to visitors from 10am – 5pm and it will be up to the public to decide who will win the skirmish having heard both sides of the story. (cost £3 per person and free for under 3 years old)

The Celts will claim they are the most fearsome in battle, that their courage is legendary and that their women are equally good in battle as their men. On the other hand, the Romans will explain how they use discipline and structure to win a battle.

Listen to the arguments in the Museum’s garden, explore the camps and have a go at some of the crafts inside them. Then you can decide which side gets your vote – and watch the result played out before your eyes!

In the Roman camp you can visit the local doctor’s tent and get yourself a fake wound, have a go at some Roman style marching and make a craft shield. Head over to the Celtic camp and you can be painted like a Celt, have a go at basket making or watch some metal decoration.

Whatever you choose to do, they’ll be plenty to keep you occupied!

Camp open 10am – 5pm. Displays from the Celts at 11.30am and 1pm and from the Romans at 12pm and 1.30pm. Final skirmish at 3pm and voting taking place from 12.30pm – 2.30pm.

Also, throughout August, visitors to the Roman Museum can experience life as Everyday Romans and have the opportunity to meet our Roman cook, doctor and soldier to find out more about life in Roman times. 1–20 August 2015, Monday - Saturday 12pm – 4pm, Sunday 2-4pm.      

Victoria Le Poidevin, Events officer at National Roman Legion Museum, said, “We’ve got a feast of events for visitors this summer. The Romans vs Celts event promises to be an exciting day for spectators. The Romans were a formidable force so it’s going to be a big battle! And don’t forget, you can experience how the Romans lived on a day to day basis throughout August – come and join the Roman cook, doctor and soldiers and step back in time this summer.”

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff; St Fagans: National History Museum; National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon; Big Pit: National Coal Museum; Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre; National Slate Museum, Llanberis; National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’s Museums is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.