The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC), the UK’s only archaeology club for 8–16-year-olds, invites its members across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to enter the 2025 ‘Dig It!’ competition. This annual event offers young history enthusiasts a chance to participate in a professional archaeological dig.
For 2025, three winners will join a University of Leicester team on 5 July 2025 at Irchester Roman Town, within the Chester House Estate near Northampton. They will excavate, clean artefacts, and learn techniques like recording finds and mapping sites. Previous ‘Dig It!’ competitions have explored sites like Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, Ribchester Roman Fort in Lancashire, and Cathkin Park in Glasgow, uncovering Roman, Viking, and modern remains.
Supported by the Marsh Charitable Trust, the competition promotes inclusivity in archaeology. Entry details will be shared soon on the YAC website or blog. Winners will enjoy a hands-on archaeological experience and may receive tool kits from partners like Past Horizons for future digs.
Managed by the Council for British Archaeology, YAC has over 70 branches nationwide, offering monthly activities exploring periods from Roman Britain to Victorian times. To enter the ‘Dig It!’ competition or find a local branch, visit www.yac-uk.org and monitor for updates on the 2025 event. Seize this chance to uncover Irchester’s Roman heritage
This year, successful entrants will collaborate with the University of Leicester’s team at Irchester Roman Town, located in the Chester House Estate near Northampton, for a day of practical archaeology in July 2025. Participants will dig trenches, clean artefacts, and master techniques such as recording finds and mapping sites. Past ‘Dig It!’ events have explored diverse locations, from Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland to Ribchester Roman Fort in Lancashire and Cathkin Park in Glasgow, revealing treasures from Roman, Viking, and recent times.
Backed by the Marsh Charitable Trust in 2025, the competition strives to make archaeology inclusive, welcoming young people of all backgrounds. Application details will soon be available on the YAC website and blog. Winners enjoy a hands-on archaeological adventure and often receive tool kits, courtesy of partners like Past Horizons, for future explorations.
Operated by the Council for British Archaeology, YAC runs over 70 branches across the UK, hosting monthly sessions on topics from Roman life to Victorian industry. To participate in the ‘Dig It!’ competition or locate a local branch, visit www.yac-uk.org.
