ONE of Chester's most popular and best loved heritage attractions is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer by launching two exciting new tours.

Roman Tours began running guided heritage tours back in 1996 and since then has grown into one of the city's most successful tourist attractions, frequently voted second only to Chester Zoo.

It provides Roman-themed tours for thousands of UK tourists, international visitors and over 40,000 school children every year – which is some achievement given some quarters doubted whether the concept of guided tours about Chester's Roman heritage was a viable business proposition.

To mark their 25th anniversary, Roman Tours are launching two exciting new tours using digital screens and VR technology that will bring the city's Roman and later medieval heritage to life.

Managing director Paul Harston said: "Chester is an international heritage city world famous for its Roman history and deserves to have guided tours that focus on our rich Roman heritage.

"We've always believed in presenting a high-quality experience for visitors, right down to every authentic detail of Roman life, and really ensuring it's a fun and entertaining time for all the family.

"Chester has so much to offer and our story of Roman Chester includes tons of fascinating facts about the city's main Roman sites not covered in guide books."

He added: "Chester companies and other organisations were quick to recognise how our distinctive legionary soldiers in full kit could help to promote their business.

"We've worked with almost every major high street brand and heritage agency over the years and helped make their organisation stand out at launch events, exhibitions and other promotional activities across the world."

Roman Tours’ initiatives include the largest parade of Roman soldiers assembled in Chester and the perennially popular Saturnalia Roman Christmas Display.

It also organised the most successful Roman Event in the UK in Chester in 2015 which attracted 20,000 visitors every day to see gladiator contests, living history camps and action-packed displays with Roman cavalry.

Fellow director and Roman Auxiliary officer Cellan Harston said: "Like the Romans we don't believe in standing still. Over the pandemic we've been incredibly busy developing new online experiences for schools and other groups that have really taken off.

"In partnership with staff at the University of Chester and other Roman experts, we've also unearthed stunning new facts and discoveries that will surprise Cestrians and visitors alike."

Roman Tours are working with heritage consultants HeritageWorks and Cheshire West and Chester Council to develop new visitor attractions that will increase footfall in the help support retailers.

Chester MP Chris Matheson said: "I would like to congratulate Chester Roman Tours on an incredible 25 years in Chester. The company does brilliant work celebrating our rich history and promoting the wealth of heritage that the city has to offer.

"Many people will also have fond memories of taking a tour during their school days, and I am pleased to hear about the introduction of VR and digital technology, to make the tours even more immersive and enjoyable.

"I wish Chester Roman Tours all the best for their next 25 years."

Council leader Louise Gittins added: “Congratulations to Paul and his team who are more than a Chester attraction, they have been ambassadors for the city for twenty-five years.

"Paul’s team has taken part in the Chester Passion Plays, Midsummer Watch Parade, Winter Watch Parade (as a ghost legion) their own Saturnalia parade and many other events.

"They are also no strangers to television cameras most recently demonstrating life as a gladiator for the Discovery Channel.

"What more could a Roman city like Chester want than its very own Roman legion to keep the history and heritage alive for visitors and residents?"