A free open afternoon is taking place in Grosvenor Park today (Tuesday 19 May), as this year's archaeological excavation continues.

Running until Friday 22 May, the dig is investigating whether evidence of Roman-era buildings can be found within the park, potentially pointing to settlement activity in the area.

Led by West Cheshire Museums, the excavation is also providing hands-on training for University of Chester students, working alongside professional archaeologists.

Members of the public are invited to visit the site this afternoon between 2pm and 4.30pm, with guided tours and displays of artefacts uncovered during the dig.

The excavation can also be viewed on weekdays while work is underway, with students on hand to answer questions.

Last year's dig uncovered Roman ditches and pits containing large quantities of pottery believed to have been discarded during the late Roman period.

Among the finds were amphorae - large storage jars imported from the Mediterranean - pottery from Roman Eastern Gaul (modern-day Germany), and part of a rare Roman ceramic candlestick.

"Some remarkable finds have been made in previous years," said Dr Hannah Ewence, Head of Humanities, Cultures and Environment at the University of Chester.

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"We're excited to see what this year's dig reveals about our city's past, and share more on the discoveries with the public."

Previous excavations have also uncovered a Roman road leading towards Chester's amphitheatre.

This year, researchers are also exploring whether a medieval ditch discovered in 2024 connects with another found in 2021, while continuing investigations into what may be a larger Saxon boundary ditch running through the site.

Since 2007, the project has focused on the area around Chester's Roman amphitheatre and the nearby Church of St John the Baptist, examining how these historic landmarks shaped the development of the city.