Info
General Information
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 Facebook page 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
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.
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.
Big Beynon's Blacksmithing
Offers a continuous live forging demonstration with engaging and lively commentary.
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
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 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 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.
- From 15 persons
- By reservation via boekhouding@galloromeinsweekend.be: €8 p.p.
- Special rate for schools that want to come in class: Please contact us at boekhouding@galloromeinsweekend.be
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