Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Classes & Workshops > Beard contests, banquets and poo at JORVIK Viking Festival

Beard contests, banquets and poo at JORVIK Viking Festival

By Caroline King - February 16, 2016Posted in : Classes & Workshops, Festival, Food & Drink, Heritage, TOP-STORY, Walks

JORVIK Viking Festival When: On until 23rd February 2016

Where: York, North Yorkshire

£: Ticket prices vary, depending on the event.  Some events are free

What is it?

York – then known by its Norse name of Jorvik – was the Viking stronghold of the North from the late ninth century, until the Norman invasion of 1066.  The JORVIK Viking Festival is the annual celebration of all things Viking, and sees the Norse invaders once again settling down all over the city.

The festival is the largest of its kind in Europe, drawing re-enactors from every corner of the country (and beyond) to join in living history encampments, parades and no-holds-barred combat displays, including a spectacular evening event which recreates the dramatic rise to power of King Canute.

Highlights of the 2016 JORVIK Viking Festival include a living history encampment spread across Parliament Street and Coppergate.  A series of events will take place in the Combat Arena at York Guildhall, pitting king against challenger, to tell the story of the rise to power of the House of Denmark which brought Canute to the throne.

Visitors can see a retelling of a classic story, Beowulf by Candlelight on Thursday 18 February 2016, and enjoy The Ultimate Viking Banquet; the most romantic evening of the festival recreating the betrothal of King Canute with fine food and ale flowing.  Wednesday 17th February is Poo Day, when participants can make their very own replica historic poo and learn about the muckier side of archaeology.

On finale weekend, visitors can see the March to Coppergate, with hundreds of warriors processing through the city streets from York Minster to the JORVIK Viking Centre.  There will also be the annual Best Beard Contest and the son-et-lumière finale event at the Eye of York, with battles, pyrotechnics and music.

More info: www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk

Related Posts

  • Up Helly Aa fire festival in Shetland
  • A unique mix of music gig and epic theatre in Songs For the End of the World
  • Liking the Vikings at Up Helly Aa

Tagged With: Jorvik Viking Festival, North Yorkshire events, Yorkshire

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

Make some noise for Whitby’s Krampus Run
Whitby Krampus Run 2018 - photo by Cassandra Sutton

As Father Christmas makes his annual visit to towns across the UK this weekend, there’s another, much darker character making his way to Whitby in North Yorkshire…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · Contrary Life