The JORVIK Viking Festival is in full swing in York, with key events set to take place this weekend, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate the city’s rich Norse heritage. Running from 17 to 23 February, this year’s festival marks its 40th anniversary with an array of historical re-enactments, hands-on experiences, and theatrical spectacles.
Among the standout attractions is a brand-new Viking longship, a legendary sword that never misses its target, and even recreations of the world’s largest fossilised Viking poo. The festival’s free living history encampment in Parliament Street offers visitors the chance to handle replica weapons, observe traditional crafts, and engage with costumed interpreters bringing 10th-century York to life.
Viking Re Enactors take part in Europes Largest celebration of Norse Heritage in York City Centre. Picture Credit Charlotte Graham – Picture Shows
“This is our 40th anniversary year of JORVIK Viking Festival, and we’re determined that those who follow in the footsteps of our Norse ancestors will not be disappointed when they get here,” proclaims Gareth Henry of York Archaeology, the charity which organises and funds the Festival. “As usual, we are celebrating the end of winter in true Nordic style – so whether you want to learn to fight like a Berserker, make your own authentic pair of Viking socks, or just stand back and watch an army of warriors take to the streets, we’ve got something for you!”
The festival reaches its peak on Saturday, 22 February, with the March to Coppergate, where over 200 Vikings will parade through York’s historic streets, culminating in the Viking Games at the Eye of York. Here, tensions are set to rise, leading to an epic battle between rival warriors.
The JORVIK Viking Festival is Europe’s largest celebration of Norse heritage. Visitors get the chance to explore the walled city of York throughout the week-long event, attending free and ticketed events as the festival progresses. Picture Credit Charlotte Graham – Picture Shows
“In the medieval period, the Vikings were known as fierce warriors; in our living history encampment, they are brilliant explainers and interpreters who love to talk about their specialist areas of expertise,” explains Gareth. “We encourage all of our visitors not to simply walk through and observe, but to stop and talk to the re-enactors – it is easy to spend an hour or more just chatting about what life would have been like in 10th-century York.”
Friday and Saturday nights will see the Evening Spectacular at the Eye of York, a dramatic open-air performance featuring a legendary Norse sword, complete with a fiery finale.
The Grand Finale held in the evening and Viking Re Enactors take part in Europes Largest celebration of Norse Heritage in York City Centre – Picture Credit Charlotte Graham – Picture Shows
For a lighter – and perhaps smellier – experience, families can take part in Poo Week at DIG, where children can create their own Viking poo while learning about medieval diets and health. “One of JORVIK’s most infamous exhibits is the Lloyds Bank Coprolite – the world’s largest fossilised Viking poo. During Poo Week, children can recreate their very own poo, learning about how the composition of human excrement tells us so much about the person who passed it!”
Meanwhile, gaming enthusiasts can try out the newly released JORVIK Viking Centre Top Trumps, with a city-wide trail and a special workshop with illustrator Katie Smith.
Visitors also have their last chance to experience A Winter Adventure at the JORVIK Viking Centre, where the famous ride through Viking-age York is currently set against a snowy Norse backdrop.
With something for everyone, from hands-on combat training to mead-fuelled revelry, the JORVIK Viking Festival continues to be a highlight in York’s cultural calendar. For full event details and ticket information, visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.
Top Image: Photo of the JORVIK Viking Festival in 2024 – (c) Ryley Morton
The JORVIK Viking Festival is in full swing in York, with key events set to take place this weekend, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate the city’s rich Norse heritage. Running from 17 to 23 February, this year’s festival marks its 40th anniversary with an array of historical re-enactments, hands-on experiences, and theatrical spectacles.
Among the standout attractions is a brand-new Viking longship, a legendary sword that never misses its target, and even recreations of the world’s largest fossilised Viking poo. The festival’s free living history encampment in Parliament Street offers visitors the chance to handle replica weapons, observe traditional crafts, and engage with costumed interpreters bringing 10th-century York to life.
City Centre. Picture Credit Charlotte Graham – Picture Shows
“This is our 40th anniversary year of JORVIK Viking Festival, and we’re determined that those who follow in the footsteps of our Norse ancestors will not be disappointed when they get here,” proclaims Gareth Henry of York Archaeology, the charity which organises and funds the Festival. “As usual, we are celebrating the end of winter in true Nordic style – so whether you want to learn to fight like a Berserker, make your own authentic pair of Viking socks, or just stand back and watch an army of warriors take to the streets, we’ve got something for you!”
The festival reaches its peak on Saturday, 22 February, with the March to Coppergate, where over 200 Vikings will parade through York’s historic streets, culminating in the Viking Games at the Eye of York. Here, tensions are set to rise, leading to an epic battle between rival warriors.
“In the medieval period, the Vikings were known as fierce warriors; in our living history encampment, they are brilliant explainers and interpreters who love to talk about their specialist areas of expertise,” explains Gareth. “We encourage all of our visitors not to simply walk through and observe, but to stop and talk to the re-enactors – it is easy to spend an hour or more just chatting about what life would have been like in 10th-century York.”
Friday and Saturday nights will see the Evening Spectacular at the Eye of York, a dramatic open-air performance featuring a legendary Norse sword, complete with a fiery finale.
For a lighter – and perhaps smellier – experience, families can take part in Poo Week at DIG, where children can create their own Viking poo while learning about medieval diets and health. “One of JORVIK’s most infamous exhibits is the Lloyds Bank Coprolite – the world’s largest fossilised Viking poo. During Poo Week, children can recreate their very own poo, learning about how the composition of human excrement tells us so much about the person who passed it!”
Meanwhile, gaming enthusiasts can try out the newly released JORVIK Viking Centre Top Trumps, with a city-wide trail and a special workshop with illustrator Katie Smith.
Visitors also have their last chance to experience A Winter Adventure at the JORVIK Viking Centre, where the famous ride through Viking-age York is currently set against a snowy Norse backdrop.
With something for everyone, from hands-on combat training to mead-fuelled revelry, the JORVIK Viking Festival continues to be a highlight in York’s cultural calendar. For full event details and ticket information, visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.
Top Image: Photo of the JORVIK Viking Festival in 2024 – (c) Ryley Morton
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