Viking characters parade through York as part of the Festival

Vikings will return to the streets of York in February, as part of the 23rd annual JORVIK Viking Festival, which is organised by York Archaeological Trust.

The five day festival will see events taking place across York, which became one of the largest Viking settlements in the UK after its capture by the Danes in 866.

The modern day ‘Norsemen’ are a lot less warlike and the festival will feature events such as a Viking Parade, through the city streets, Viking Craft Fairs and evenings with Norse bard characters recounting ancient sagas of heroism. There will also be numerous archaeological workshops and lectures including highlights such as ‘Filth’, which examines what archaeologists can learn from preserved and fossilised human stools.

The JORVIK Viking Festival will be held in York from 13th to 17th February. Many of the venues offer groups discounts on admission and coach parking is available at two coach parks near the city centre. For more information please telephone 01904 543404.