DigNation '18

So here we are! DigNation is fully funded, it’s really happening, and it’s all down to you for helping us make it real. THANK YOU! Now it’s time to start planning your weekend…

When Tony Robinson first came to us with his idea to host an event to honour Mick Aston, we knew that many people around the world would be interested. But we had NO IDEA that so many of you would help to make it happen in so many ways. You lot are as crazy as we are (well, just about anyway…)

Thanks also for writing to us and sharing your stories about Mick, and the many ways he has inspired, amazed and taught so many people. It’s clear to us that Mick’s legacy is phenomenal, and we’ll do our absolute best to make sure that comes through over the festival weekend – whether you’re joining us online or in person.

Now it’s time to get planning! What’s on? When? Where do I need to be? What’s the deal with the party? When am I getting my login to the livestream? Can I watch the talks online after the festival? AND OMG WHAT ABOUT THE PUBS ON HOLY ISLAND?!? All your answers are right here.

Ready? There’s plenty of information on this page to help you, and you can always get in touch with our amazing DV squad if there’s something you still need to know.

(the rumours about an electroceilidh band and inflatable pub are true, btw…)

Saturday 22nd September 2018

TIDES: safe to cross 04:35 – 12:30 / 17:20 – 00:35 (Sun)

Registration opens at 08:00 at the Main Festival Venue (Crossman Hall)

09:15 Intro & Housekeeping
09:30 Sir Tony Robinson, Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:00 Julian Richards, Special Keynote

Session 1: Monastic Archaeology

11:00 – 11:45 Dr David Petts, Lindisfarne
12:00 – 12:45 Dr Helen Geake, ‘Powerful Anglo-Saxon Women Seen Through Their Artefacts: abbesses, princesses, both or neither?’

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

Session 2: Medieval Settlements

14:00 – 14:45 Professor Chris Gerrard, ‘Shapwick and Memories of Mick’
15:00 – 15:45 Teresa Hall, Winscombe Village Survey
16:00 – 16:45 Professor Carenza Lewis, The Black Death

17:00 – 18:00 Special Roundtable Discussion
Sir Tony Robinson, Phil Harding, John Gater, Dr Helen Geake, Chris Gerrard, Carenza Lewis, Dr Mike Heyworth MBE, Francis Pryor, Julian Richards

18:00 Bar Opens
19:30 Band!
23:00 Party Finishes

Sunday 23rd September 2018

TIDES: safe to cross 05:40 – 12:55 / 18:15 – 01:00 (Mon)

09:45 Intro & Housekeeping
10:00 Chris Casswell, Head of Fieldwork, DigVentures. Update from the trenches!

Session 3: Landscape Archaeology

10:30 – 11:15 Francis Pryor MBE, Flag Fen and Must Farm
11:30 – 12:15 Dr John Gater (Geofizz, of course!)
12:30 – 13:15 Professor Stewart Ainsworth, North Penines LIDAR

13:30 – 14:30 – Lunch

Session 4: Public Archaeology & Science

14:30 – 15:15 Dr Helen Geake, ‘Mick and Metal Detecting’
15:30 – 16:15 Professor Chris Gerrard, ‘Lost Lives, New Worlds: Unlocking the story of the Scottish soldiers buried on Palace Green’
16:30 – 17:00 Dan Snow, History Hit
17:00 – 17:30 Julian Richards, What’s next for telly archaeology?
17:30 – 17:45 Sir Tony Robinson, closing remarks