Brading Roman Villa has organised an exciting new event for this summer – A gladiatorial spectacle and reconstruction of a Roman Games, featuring performers from the Ridley Scott movie, Gladiator, as well as TV shows including Life & Death in Rome and the BBC’s Horrible Histories.
Not for the squeamish
See each of the different types of gladiators brought to life (and death) in the arena.
Anticipate the Emperor’s decision on the fate of the losing gladiator. Cheer for the gladiator that you think has fought the best and see if you can sway the Emperor’s mind!
Fundraising for the Villa
The Games are being held as a fundraising event for ongoing conservation work at the Villa and a proposed new education suite.
In addition to the Games, there will also be living history displays throughout the weekend featuring a kids army, site weapons by the makers themselves, Roman cooking, metal working and military training, Roman soldiers and shop keepers and family activities, including trying on armour and enlisting as a legionary for the day.
The gladiatorial games will take place under cover in a Circus Tent. There will be food stalls and a beer tent. In a separate area of the site there will be stalls showcasing local arts and crafts.
In the museum itself, it is hoped that there will be an exhibition of props and costumes from Roman themed films and TV shows.
“Goodness, but it’s violent out there and, after the warmup; in which gladiators cut the throats of a few, unresisting, condemned prisoners; the crowd goes wild.”
The Guardian on Britannia’s Guildhall Gladiator show
Tickets on sale now
The Gladiatorial games, which take place on 6th & 7th August 2016, with a special evening performance on the 5th, are rated as PG. Admission to the living history displays is FREE.
Ticket prices for the Gladiatorial fights:
Adults £14.95.
Children and concessions £12.50.
Family ticket for two adults and up to three children (up to the age of 16) £49.95. (saving up to £17.90)
Please note: family tickets must be used as a group and can not be used separately.
Tickets are on sale at Brading Roman Villa.
