THE Big Roman Week – the mini festival celebrating Falkirk district’s Roman roots – comes to an end this weekend, promising fun days and film shows for all the family.
On Saturday (September 18), it’s the Big Roman Day in Bo’ness and Bonnybridge with great activities on offer in both communities.
In Bo’ness, the Antonine Guard re-enactment group will be on hand to entertain visitors to the town centre. There will also be face-painting, a balloon modeller, and craft and charity stalls. The free fun day will kick off at noon and run until 4 p.m.
The historic Hippodrome Cinema in the town will also be getting in on the act by showing “Asterix in Britain” (U) on Saturday morning (at 11 a.m.) The animated adventure shows Asterix, Obelix, Getafix and friends coming to the aid of ancient Britons suffering a Roman invasion. All tickets are just £2.10. Details at www.falkirk.gov.uk/hippodrome
Over in Bonnybridge, there will be more fun at the town’s library. From 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. on Saturday there will be a toga party for children over five years of age, with a prize for the best dressed Roman on offer. And from 3.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Big Roman Quiz will see adults go head to head with local children. Both activities are free.
The Big Roman Week comes to a close on Sunday (September 19), with the showing of a 1960 film, showing a walk along the Antonine Wall. The free screening – organised by the charity The Friends of Kinneil – will start in the Barony Theatre, Borrowstoun Road, Bo’ness, at 7.30 p.m.
Jim Walker, the President of the Glasgow Archaeological Society, will provide live narration for the film, which shows Bo’ness, Bonnybridge and Falkirk as it looked 50 years ago.
Councillor Adrian Mahoney, one of the organisers, said: “Jim was brought up on Seabegs Farm, Bonnybridge, and at the age of 15 discovered the Roman altar which is on display at Kinneil Museum. He also helped discover the nearby fortlet at Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness.
“We’re delighted to welcome him to Bo’ness to narrate the film, which offers a fascinating look at the area 50 years ago and information on our rich Roman heritage.
“Best of all, thanks to The Friends of Kinneil charity, people can see the film for free.”
For more information, visit www.kinneil.org.uk/bigromanweek
The Big Roman Week has been organised by The Friends of Kinneil in conjunction with Greenhill Historical Society, Falkirk Council, Historic Scotland, Town Centre Management and Bo’ness Community Council.
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