2026 Festival of Archaeology

Festival Theme - Archaeology and Nature

Council for British Archaeology are excited to announce that the theme for the 2026 CBA Festival of Archaeology is “Archaeology and Nature”. The Festival will take place across the UK from Saturday 18th July to Sunday 2nd August.  

Archaeology and nature are interconnected revealing how humans have lived with, shaped, and been shaped by the environment around them. By exploring the past using the climate, geology, animals, plants, landscapes and the effect of nature on archaeological sites and buildings today, we can understand how places and communities evolve and develop. 

The Festival of Archaeology is the perfect time to bring these connections to life. Hosting an event — whether it’s a guided walk, a talk, community fieldwork project, or a creative workshop — invites people to see that archaeology isn’t just about the past. It’s about our ongoing story with the world around us. 

By celebrating archaeology and nature, we can inspire curiosity and develop a deeper sense of belonging to the landscapes we share. We can’t wait to see how you interpret the theme.  

Discover Festival events near you by searching our event listings: