TAKE a trip back in time this weekend as Dorchester hosts its first ever Roman Festival.

Held over two days and centred around the Roman Town House at County Hall, it promises to be a fantastic opportunity to find out more about Dorchester's classical heritage.

Historical re-enactment team Legio II Augusta - named after the most successful Roman legion to serve in Britain - will be billeted in the town over the two days and will be marching through the town, practising military drills and looking for new members in recruitment and training drives at Maumbury Rings and Maiden Castle.

At the Town House you will be able to meet and talk to Roman soldiers, aristocrats and slaves and learn about Roman cookery, midwifery techniques, children's toys and medical science. There will also be storytelling with Tim Laycock and time with Dorset County Council's Family Learning Team.

A number of events are also taking part at Dorset County Museum in High West Street, including a talk by Lindsey Davies, the author of the hugely popular Falco detective novels. There will also be Roman craft workshops for children.

Blue Badge Guide Christine McGhee is leading a walk around the ancient town of Durnovaria and there are also plans for a walk to Maiden Castle.

Festival organiser and Roman Town House heritage officer Sarah Harbige is delighted that it is taking place and hopes it will take off and be held every other year in future.

"There is a real move to make more of the town's Roman heritage, which has come in the wake of the revamp of the Roman Town House," she said. "It is a great opportunity to highlight the Romans' influence on Dorchester.

"Kids will love the legion being in town, especially if they get the chance to become a Roman recruit! The adults will be fascinated by it all too as Legio II Augusta are very professional and extremely knowledgeable. If you have any questions they will be able to tell you the answers."

Sarah joined the Town House team this year and is excited by what it could hold for the future."

Dorchester's Roman Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31 in and around the town. Call Dorset County Museum on 01305 262735 for full details and event bookings.