The JORVIK Viking Festival, taking place in York from Saturday 28 May to Wednesday 1 June 2022, is a family friendly event that offers something for everyone.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Viking world, this is the event for you. Viking Encampment is opening the event, where attendants can meet and speak with Vikings, learn about their day-to-day lives, and even do some stall shopping for weapons, jewellery and more!
Sword-fighting, crafts and ‘poo day’!
Wanting to get involved with the action of the Viking? There are ‘have-a-go sword fighting workshops’ all day, as well as leg-wrestling and hammer-holding events. Which Viking will you cheer on at this family-friendly contest?
‘Poo Day’ is likely to be as funny as it sounds, with the chance to make your own replica poo fossil. But it’s also a time to learn from archaeologists about the past! If you’re into crafting, there’s the Viking Crafting for Kids event, including pottery, wool-braiding, beard-making and flag painting.
Beard competition and JORVIK games
On Saturday afternoon there will be a march to Coppergate, beginning at York Minster where Viking warriors and their brave armies will be sharing their stories. Once the march is over, a ‘best beard’ competition will be held – a festival-favourite with some very competitive participants. If you think you’re in with a chance of winning, participation is open to all!
The JORVIK games (Saturday evening) will see four teams compete in challenges of skill, strength, nerve and wit. This is an event for the brave-hearted; the JORVIK Centre tells us to “expect combat, impressive feats of endurance and plenty of laughs”. This event is always a sell-out so make sure to pre-book!
JORVIK Centre
The internationally renowned JORVIK Centre (built on the site of York Archaeological Trust’s original Viking dig) is open all day too, though for a special occasion like this, the centre has been loaned the Silverdale Hoard, one of the largest Viking hoards discovered in Britain!
Events manager, Gareth Henry, expressed his excitement for the event:
“There’s something about the Vikings that fascinates children and sparks their interest in history and archaeology. As the largest Viking festival of its kind in Europe, we work with some of the most skilled historic interpreters and experts in the world to put together a packed programme of family-friendly activities that will have children of all ages hooked for life!”
For more information about the event, and to book tickets (some events are free), please visit: jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk
