UK’s largest fossil festival returns to Lyme Regis this June

Over the weekend of June 14 and 15, leading palaeontologists, experts, artists and performers from across the world will come together to celebrate geology, earth sciences and the Jurassic Coast.

First held in 2005, the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival was founded to celebrate the town’s rich geological heritage and its role in some of the most important fossil discoveries in history – most famously those of Mary Anning, the pioneering 19th-century fossil hunter whose discoveries transformed the way we understand prehistoric life.

Lots of activities for children will be on offer throughout the weekend (Image: Lyme Regis Museum) Today, the festival remains true to its roots, blending hands-on science, exhibitions, arts and crafts, performance, fossil walks, boat trips and expert talks in a family-friendly environment that’s as inspiring as it is educational.

Bridget Houseago, director of Lyme Regis Museum, which organises the festival on behalf of the Fossil Festival CIC, said: “It’s amazing how the festival has grown and developed over the years, whilst retaining its original intention to be a family friendly festival.

“We are incredibly grateful to all the museums, experts, universities, geology groups, traders and organisations who come together each year to make the event possible, and particularly to our sponsor, supporters and Lyme Regis Town Council for their continued support and funding.”

Visitors to this year’s event can look forward to talks from world-renowned palaeontologists and experts including Dr Dean Lomax, Steve Brusatte and Dr Steve Etches MBE, alongside exhibitions and hands-on activities from leading museums and organisations such as the Natural History Museum, Dinosaur Isle and The Etches Collection.

Lyme Regis Museum will be free entry for the entirety of the event and will host a packed schedule of mini talks and meet and greet events with authors.

Marquees set up along Marine Parade in Lister Gardens will house most of the festival’s activities (Image: Lyme Regis Museum) Lister Gardens will play host to the main marquees with a blended offering of activities and shopping along Marine Parade.

This includes fossil polishing and the popular Iguanodon Restaurant performance from Emerald Ant.

Arts and crafts lovers can also enjoy a range of Palaeoart Workshops and craft stalls at The Hub on Church Street.

The Lyme Bay Moonrakers, Lyme Morris and Lyme Regis Town Band will be performing over the course of the weekend and Iszi Lawrence and Dr David Hone will be broadcasting their podcast ‘Terrible Lizards’ live from The Royal Lion Hotel on the Saturday night.

Mary Anning will be a prominent feature of the festival with an actress playing the role of the famous fossil hunter (Image: Lyme Regis Museum) The fossil festival wouldn’t be the fossil festival without an ‘appearance’ from Lyme’s most famous fossil hunter, Mary Anning.

RADA trained actress Lizzie Hopley will be bringing Mary’s story to life in the ‘Meet the Amazing Mary Anning Story Walk’ which will be running at regular intervals over both days of the event from Lyme Regis Museum.

Admission to the festival is free and admission to Lyme Regis Museum will also be free over the event weekend.

There are small number of ticketed events, for full programme information visit www.fossilfestival.com

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}