THE ancient hillfort at Norton Fitzwarren will be the focus of a community archaeology festival tomorrow (July 27).

The event at Norton Fitzwarren village hall will coincide with the Festival of British Archaeology and kick-start plans for the community to get involved in the restoration of Norton Hillfort.

Somerset West and Taunton council has been working with Historic England, Norton Fitzwarren Parish Council and the South West Heritage Trust (SWHT) to protect the hillfort, which is the site of a scheduled ancient monument believed to date from the Neolithic era.

The site, which contains important archaeological remains, will require many improvements over the coming years to preserve and protect ancient earthworks, enhance the site and ultimately remove it from Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register.

Charlotte Russell, heritage at risk project officer for Historic England South West, said: “Norton Fitzwarren Hillfort is a remarkable monument and the Festival of Archaeology event is a great opportunity to celebrate its bright new future.

“We know the fort was important to generations of people through pre-history, and it continues to inspire and intrigue us today. We are delighted to be a funding partner to this exciting project.”

The restoration project will be launched at the event with logos designed by pupils from Norton Fitzwarren Primary School. It is hoped that in time the whole site will become an informal space for the community.

The hillfort will be managed in the long-term by the SWHT which looks after many similar sites in Somerset.

Under its expertise, and with Norton Fitzwarren Parish Council, plenty of opportunities will be available for the community to celebrate the hillfort. They will be invited to become involved in projects to create public access and enjoyment including the provision of open-air trails, wildflower meadows and forest school facilities.

The Archaeology Festival is the first of these and will be open to the wider community and anyone with an interest in helping to preserve Norton Hillfort for future generations.

The Festival of Archaeology on Saturday at the village hall will run between 1-4pm. A guided walk will take place around the hillfort during the afternoon departing from the village hall at 2pm and lasting for about one hour.