A FREE annual Archaeology Day is returning to a historic site in Colchester.

Colchester Archaeological Trust is running a free public open day to showcase the city's Roman Circus and celebrate the 20th anniversary of its discovery.

The event will include free, family-friendly archaeological activities for all to get involved in, with tables for visitors to see and handle Roman finds and sandpits for children to excavate and identify artefacts.

Learn- The children can learn all about the history of the Roman Circus as they uncover artefacts. Learn- The children can learn all about the history of the Roman Circus as they uncover artefacts. (Image: Victoria Sands)

Free tours and information panels will illuminate the Circus excavations, and there will be plenty more fun and games throughout the day.

Victoria Sands, senior post-excavation assistant at Colchester Archaeological Trust, said: “Archaeology Day is my favourite event of the year as we are able to share our archaeological work with the local community.

“To see children engage with archaeology so enthusiastically makes this an incredibly worthwhile event to run and to attend.”

Vikki added there will be a quiz and activity trail to engage children with the site and teach them more about the unique monument.

Fun- Children can have fun digging in the sandpit as they uncover artefacts. Fun- Children can have fun digging in the sandpit as they uncover artefacts. (Image: Victoria Sands)

Other contributors include The Roman Society dressed up as Romans, Colchester Archaeological Group showcasing their archaeological work in the area, and Alex Jones who will teaching visitors how to play Aquilla, a Roman-style board game.

A book sale of archaeology-related works will also be taking place, and The Roman Circus Café will be available to cater for light refreshments.

Vikki continued: “Please bring your friends and family and come along to meet some of Colchester's archaeologists.

 “We can't wait to see what this year's Roman Circus-themed Archaeology Day will hold."

The Roman Circus was identified in 2004 and is the only known Roman Circus in Britain.

The ancient, monumental structure may have seated up to 8,000 spectators for sports, including chariot racing.

Leisure- The visitors centre has a cafe and will also have a book sale of archaeology-related works. Leisure- The visitors centre has a cafe and will also have a book sale of archaeology-related works. (Image: Victoria Sands)

It was built in the early 2nd century CE and seems to have been in use for around 150 years.

There is no public parking on site, but two nearby public car parks are in Butt Road and Napier Road.

The public open day will take place on Saturday, August 3, from 10am to 3pm at the Roman Circus Visitor Centre, Roman Circus Walk.