Great attendance as hundreds 'dig in' to Festival of Archaeology

Posted on 3 August 2018

There were plenty of digs, designs and discoveries on display at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens last weekend, as over 500 visitors turned out for the 2^nd annual Festival of Archaeology.

Despite the changeable weather conditions there was plenty of excitement and learning on offer for people of all ages, with many families spending the day doing everything from building their own windmills to examining ancient artefacts and hunting out treasures of their own.

South Holland District Council ran the free event with Spalding Gentlemen's Society following a very popular debut in 2017.  The theme of "What's Beneath Your Feet" saw visitors have the opportunity for guided walks, a wide range of craft activities, live demonstrations, special exhibitions and the chance for hands-on participation with the always popular dig pits.

Cllr Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities said: "Our 2nd Festival of Archaeology was another brilliant event and, despite the rather changeable weather conditions for the weekend, it was great to see such a fantastic turnout coming to Ayscoughfee over the two days.

"Many families stayed all day and it was great to see such a variety of ages and backgrounds finding out more about the history of Spalding and the surrounding area. We couldn't have held the weekend without the kind support of all our volunteers, presenters, stall holders and our co-organisers Spalding Gentlemen's Society."

The next event at Ayscoughfee will be the ever-popular 1940s weekend on August 11 and 12. For more information visit www.ayscoughfee.org, email museum@sholland.gov.uk or call 01775 764555.