History Festivals 2025 in Yorkshire

Celebrate Yorkshire's history at festivals throughout the year, from York's Viking festival to the 1940's, family fun events and days out for all the family.

Vikings in line with shields in front of them and swords aloft.

Jorvik Viking Festival

16th to 22nd February 2026
This world renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances.

Fort Paull 1940's Weekend

3rd and 4th May 2026
The event will be set within the historic battery which has history dating back to Henry VIII and was used as a training base between the two world wars as well as a magazine during WWII.

We'll Meet Again

9th and 10th May 2026
Celebrating the 1940s and marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day with reenactors, displays vintage vehicles, music and dance on the site of an original WW2 RAF bomber base, Yorkshire Air Museum

KWVR 1940's Weekend

16th and 17th May 2026
Mark your calendars for a journey into the past as we bring the sights, sounds, and spirit of the 1940s to life on the railway! This unforgettable weekend will transport you to a bygone era with authentic displays, entertainment, and much more.

group of re-enactors in Roman soldier wear

Eboracum Roman Festival

2026 Dates TBC
From a living history encampment and an impressive parade through the streets, to a symposium and lectures featuring Professor Mary Beard, Peter Addyman, John Oxley and many others, the Roman Festival will have something for everyone.

Castleford Roman Festival

30th May 2026
Experience Castleford’s Roman heritage during a fun family day. Explore a roman-themed market with demonstrations and activities such as roman toy making, science experiments and pottery throwing.

Ingleton 1940's Weekend

3rd to 5th July 2026
Step back in time and join us for a weekend full of nostalgic entertainment. Learn the history of World War 2, enjoy the music & fashions of the era.

living history re-enators at the Richard third festival at Middleham Castle

Richard III Festival at Middleham Castle

4th and 5th July 2026 TBC
Living History Festival to transport you back to the life and times of King Richard III who lived at the Castle.

two people mounted on horses, both dressed in roman soldier clothing

Malton Roman Festival

2026 Dates TBC
The third Roman Festival will include live action demonstrations from the Roman Cavalry by Equistry, marching and battle sequences from Magister Militum, Roma Antiqua and Legio VI Victrix.

Child dressed as a roman centurion with a sword, red background.

RomanFest - Hull

2026 Dates TBC
Join the national Festival of Archaeology celebrations with a fun packed weekend of all things Roman at Hull Museums. See the Roman army preparing for battle and join in their drills.

York Georgian Festival

2026 Dates TBC
The return of fabulous fashion, food and… fans… this summer! York Georgian Festival features dance, period costumes and much more.

Yorkshire Wartime Experience

7th to 9th August 2026
The Yorkshire Wartime Experiece has some of the most respected Living History Groups presenting their magnificent displays from the 1st and 2nd world war.

RAF Snaith 1940's Weekend

2026 Dates TBC
1940's weekend at the former Royal Air Force base, RAF Snaith.

York Unlocked

2026 Dates TBC
York Unlocked opens the most interesting and significant buildings in York to the public completely for free. It’s a weekend festival that allows residents and visitors to see York in a new way, and aims to educate and inspire a love of architecture.