The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2026 proved to be a resounding success over the weekend, with thousands of visitors flocking to the Jurassic Coast to celebrate the town’s rich palaeontological heritage.
Recognised as the UK’s largest public earth science event, the festival was organised by Lyme Regis Museum in the town widely regarded as the birthplace of palaeontology. Visitors enjoyed a packed programme of expert-led fossil walks, talks from leading palaeontologists, interactive exhibits and a diverse range of stallholders showcasing fossils, treasures, curiosities, crafts and artwork.
The event also featured a variety of live entertainment, including performances by Lyme Regis Town Band, Lyme Morris and local shanty singers Moonrakers, helping to create a lively festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.
A key focus of the festival was celebrating the legacy of Mary Anning, the pioneering 19th-century fossil collector whose discoveries transformed scientific understanding of prehistoric life. Visitors had the opportunity to view a rare fragment of a letter written by Anning, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Britain’s most influential scientific figures.
Blessed with perfect weather, the event drew thousands of people from across the UK and around the world to Lyme Regis. Organisers hailed the festival as a huge success, with the town bustling with visitors eager to learn more about the unique geology, fossils and history of the Jurassic Coast.
