Before the battle
When: 19th – 27th February 2011
Where: York
£: ticket prices vary, some events are free
What is it?
The annual JORVIK Viking Festival, now in its 26th year, is a city-wide celebration of York’s Viking heritage organised by York Archaeological Trust. In 2011 the Festival will revisit the events of the early 11th century, a time when King Ethelred sat on the English throne and struggled for survival in the face of repeated Danish invasions. His ally, the Viking Olaf Haraldsson, will lead the fight against the Danes in the spectacular Festival battle finale at York Maze on Saturday 26th February, which will see hundreds of armed warriors clash, before a fiery climax featuring fireworks and a boat burning.
Viking hoards prepare for battle
Join the hundreds of Vikings from all over the world who will descend on York for the eight day Festival. Enjoy spectacular cultural events from specially commissioned theatrical performances to hands on combat training, and see some of the much talked about archaeological discoveries first hand at the Hungate excavation.
Highlights include fun filled activities for kids and for the young at heart with Wickie the Mighty Viking; the 70s cartoon ‘Vicky the Viking’ comes to life on the big screen as the live action adventure gets its English premier at the Festival. In Teatime Terrors with Terry Deary children get the chance to meet the infamous children’s author whilst getting a guided tour of the Seven Ages of York by costumed characters.
The finale
Why not join King Ethelred for a cultured evening of poetry and music in the candlelit surroundings of York Minster? Or watch Egil Skallagrimsson Keeps His Head, the highly acclaimed production by North Country Theatre which tells the story of Icelandic hardman Egil Skallagrimsson and his crew who are storm driven up the Humber into the hands of their old enemy Erik Bloodaxe; an entertaining interpretation of a Viking classic.
Best selling author, Philippa Gregory, introduces her latest novel. The Red Queen follows the ambitions of Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor, through the blood-soaked years of the Wars of the Roses. Be amongst the audience which are invited to put their questions to Philippa and buy a signed copy of the book.
Join the 7th Python, Neil Innes, at an exclusive viewing of this cult favourite Monty Python and the Holy Grail on the big screen. Visit the Middle Ages with King Arthur and his knights as they embark on their alternative quest for the fabled Holy Grail.
More info: For the full Festival programme and booking information, visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk