Gallo-
Romeins
Weekend

1-2
OKT
2022

Info

General Information

The Gallo-Roman Weekend (GRW) in Wervik is a biennial event, in which, by making use of re-enacting and living history, the Iron Age and Roman times come back to life. It takes place during the first full weekend of October in even years.

From the start it was decided to organise this festival as historically correct as possible. This is also the most important requirement that we set for our participating groups. The setting where the event takes place is therefore divided into two parts. The main area where most groups find shelter and a smaller area with information stands and more alternative approaches.

This choice has ensured that the GRW is an educatively responsible event in which the visitor learns a lot about the daily and military life of that period. Our re-enactors are all experts in their specialty. There are the soldiers, but you can get acquainted with shoemakers, basket weavers, blacksmiths, weavers,…

In addition to people interested in history, one-day visitors and families, the GRW can also welcome numerous secondary school students. The latter come in class during the weekend, a non-school day, to get to know that period better. We are visited by schools from all over Flanders and also Wallonia. Our approach being consistent with the national curriculum is proven by the fact that many of those schools have become regular visitors and have adopted this weekend in their yearly calendar.

In the past, many big names from the world of re-enacting have joined us. The Ermine Street Guard (UK), Römer Cohorte Opladen (D), Ave Bagacum (F), les Ambiani (FR), les Enfants de Finn (F) just to name a few. Others, such as the "Roman" Legio XI Claudia Pia Fidelis and the "" Celtic "Deuoxtonion, both originated in Belgium, were created by the GRW, as it were, and were also given the first chance to interact with the general public. Legio XI has since grown into one of the best "Roman" groups in Europe.

Who?

Modestly founded and started in 1996 (in 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999 it was still an annual event) the GRW has grown into the largest of its kind in the Benelux and Northern France. Until 2017, the GRW was organized by the vzw Viroviacum Romanum (VR) and since 2019 the subsidiary vzw Gallo-Roman Weekend became the organizer. Due to the restrictions regarding the current Covid-19 measures, the event cannot take place in 2021 and will be postponed by one year to 2022. Vzw Gallo-Roman Weekend, however, will continue to organize the event every 2 years to secure the highest quality in what we offer to our audience. VR will in the future focus on workshops, lectures, exhibitions, day trips, the follow-up of archaeological excavations in Wervik…. More information about VR can be found at: www.viroviacum.be.

The non-profit organization GRW consists of a group of enthusiastic, unpaid people who are committed to visually reviving the Iron Age and the Roman period. Inspiration and motivation come from the fact that Wervik was a Celtic residence and an important vicus during the Roman period. On the Tabula Peutingeriana, (https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabula_Peutingeriana) Tongeren and Wervik are mentioned as the only Flemish cities.

In addition to the daily management, the non-profit organization GRW consists of working groups that take on the various aspects of the overall organization. For example, we are working in seperate groups that take care of the programming, communication, logistics, safety, ….. An appointed head coordinator ensures that everything runs smoothly. People who feel called upon to help, either in one of the working groups or as a volunteer during the GRW, can contact us via medewerkers@galloromeinsweekend.be.

Groups

Overview of the groups

Have a look here at the groups that will be present at the Gallo-Roman Weekend.
More names of groups will follow soon, also follow our and Instagram account for news and extras!

F.A.N.

Presents the Fridericiana Alexandrina Navis, a highly authentic reconstruction of an Oberstimm-type ship. More information

Brannuicos

Brannuicos the warrior takes you to discover the universe of the Celts.

Contoutos Atrébate

Gallic Historical Reenactment Association on the Atrebati (region Arras -62)

Deuoxtonion

Offers a view, as accurate as possible, of the everyday life and the crafts of the Iron Age in our regions.

Gallische Hoeve

Shows the different aspects of the Gallic society. Both the warriors and the crafts get attention.

Desmumhnach

Provides a look at the weapons, the equipment and the way of life of the legionaries during the campaigns.

Fectio

Dutch reenactment group dealing with the Late Roman period in the 4th and 5th century.

Legio XI CPF

Offers a diptych with a division of Roman soldiers and a civilian contingent with various craftsmen.

Herculiani Iuniores

Re-enactment group concerning the Roman army in late antiquity, more specifically the Herculiani Palatine Legion.

Triboci

Representation of the Legion of the Herculiani Seniores, representing the Roman army at the end of antiquity.

Romae Sagittarii

Roman historical reconstruction from the 2nd and 3rd century, specializing in archery.

Cave Felem

Will be present with a Roman wine bar, beauty farm and introduces you to fortune telling in the Roman Empire.

Baroen

Offers children's activities such as sword fighting, javelin throwing and formation training.

Abe the Storyteller

Tells Celtic myths and fairy tales. Voted best entertainer of the year at the Fantasy Awards in 2016.

Les Ambiani

Reproduce the lifestyle and techniques of the Gauls of the 1st century BC.

New Order of Druids

Will be present with an info & sales stand and perform open rituals.

Celicia Ceramics

Offers historically inspired pieces of ceramics.

Aurificina Treverica

Offers handmade replicas of ancient finds after careful examination.

Pario Gallico

Pario Gallico shows how the Celts (800BC-43AD) lived and worked.

Big Beynon's Blacksmithing

Offers a continuous live forging demonstration with engaging and lively commentary.

LKT

Program

Our program for the weekend

Military Roman timeline (5th century BCE - 5th century CE)

Location: Arena

Iron Age Warfare Demonstration

Location: Arena

Demonstration of distance weapons

Location: Archery/artillery zone

Roman military show

Location: Arena

Final show

Location: Arena

Fire show

Location: Arena

Roman Film Day ('t Forum)

In cooperation with Tourism Wervik / City of Wervik

Tickets: Online shop of the city of Wervik

Roman dinner ('t Kapittel)

In cooperation with Tourism Wervik / City of Wervik

Tickets Online shop of the city of Wervik

Boat trip (duration +/- 30 min)

Quantity: Max. 18 persons per trip

Tickets: € 5 p.p.

Age: minimum 16 years of age!

Location: dockyard boat

Reservation: mandatory (online/on-site)

Roman Legionnaire (duration +/- 30 min)

Quantity: Max. 30 children per session

Tickets: € 2 p.p.

Age: 7 to 12 years (sessions 11:00 / 12:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00)

age: 4 to 6 years (session 14:00)

Location: booth Baroen

Reservation: mandatory (online/on-site)

Archery contest (duration +/- 30 min)

Quantity: Max. 16 children per session

Tickets: € 2 p.p.

Age: 8 to 13 years

Location: booth Romae Sagittarii

Reservation: mandatory (online/on-site)

Archery training (duration +/- 30 min)

Quantity: Max. 10 children per session

Tickets: € 2 p.p.

Age: 8 to 13 years

Location: booth Romae Sagittarii

Reservation: mandatory (online/on-site)

Storyteller Abe with musical accompaniment by Meidi Goh (duration +/- 30 min)

Quantity: no limit

Tickets: free access

Age: all ages

Location: Odeum

Reservation: not required

Archery initiation (duration +/- 30 min)

Quantity: max. 25 duos per session

Tickets: € 1 per duo

Age: from 12 years

Location: booth Romae Sagittarii

Reservation: mandatory (online/on-site)

Latin class (duration +/- 15 min)

Quantity: no limit

Tickets: free access

Age: all ages

Location: Odeum

Reservation: not required

Laoise (musical performance)

Quantity: no limit

Tickets: free access

Age: all ages

Location: Odeum

Reservation: not required

Make up* - Games - Excavations

Quantity: no limit

Tickets: free access

Age: all ages

Location: near large tent

Reservation: not required

Photo Wall

Quantity: no limit

Tickets: free access

Age: all ages

Location: Entrance

Reservation: not required

Pratical

Info about location and prices

Location

De Balokken in Wervik

.

The Gallo-Roman Weekend takes place on the recreational island De Balokken. Entrance is via the National Tobacco Museum, Koestraat 63.

Prices

Adults
€ 10

  • From 12 years of age
  •  
  •  

Tickets

Tickets are available online via the link as well as at the box office on the day itself.
A social rate is possible with the 'Uitpas'.

Children
€ 5

  • For 6 to 12 years
  • < 6 years: Free entrance
  •  

Tickets

Tickets are available online via the link as well as at the box office on the day itself.
A social rate is possible with the 'Uitpas'.

Groupes
€ 8 p.p.


Tickets for accessing the event can be purchased via the links above.
Tickets for the activities at the event can be purchased under 'Program - Activities'.

Parking plan

Using the interactive map, you can find the parking options.

Pictures

Pictures of previous editions


Video









Partners

Sponsors

Contact us

Do you have any questions, need more information or would you like to register as a volunteer?
Do not hesitate to contact us.

Your message has been forwarded.