REVELLERS went back in time as the first Roman festival came to Britain’s oldest recorded city.
Over the weekend, history-lovers enjoyed food and drink recipes dating from more than 1,500 years ago.
The event was Colchester’s first festival of its kind, celebrating the city’s rich heritage from the Roman period.
It was held in the centre of Rome’s British capital, Camulodunum, known by all today as Colchester, on the grounds of the Temple of Claudius sacked and burned down by Iceni queen Boadicea.
Hundreds came along across the weekend to enjoy a variety of historical events and activities on offer.
Families attending enjoyed a famous ‘Britannia’ re-enactment, with fighters and performers accompanied by the Praetorian Guard.
The day began with a blessing, in full toga, from the Pro Quaestor Legati Pro Praetore Provinciae Britanniae.
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Throughout the days, there was a Vulcanilia procession offering worship to the god of fire, Vulcan, as well as Ballistas, archery, donkey rides, stalls, and Roman food displays and bars to eat and drink at.
There was even an opportunity to sit on a real Roman toilet and find out what the ‘wrong end of the stick’ really means.
Historical displays and talks were also available, with experts guiding guests through a marquee with Roman artifacts, and chances to meet a number of published authors who write about the Roman period.
The festival was a big success, receiving high praise from attendees.
Susi Jefford had high praise for the beverages, saying: “The mead was delicious.”
This was echoed by Jo Marshall, who added: “We also sampled the mead, very tasty!”
A spokesman for the event said after the event on Saturday: “Such a fabulous day yesterday at The Colchester Roman Festival.
“We all had a lot of fun and we’ve had so many kind comments from visitors.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone."
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