Jorvik Viking Festival to return to York in February

The Jorvik Viking Festival will return to York next year, running from 15th to 21st February with a special focus on the Viking King Canute.

The festival will bring Viking history back to life through a series of parades, talks and presentations.

2016 will mark 1,000 years since Viking Canute – also known as Cnut – took the English throne and became responsible for creating a North Sea Empire – also known as the first European Union.

Stories revolving around Canute are often misunderstood, and the Jorvik Viking Festival will endeavour to reveal the truth with the use of re-enactors, historians, authors and storytellers.

Throughout Coppergate, the festival will demonstrate what life would have been like for the Vikings in 2016, with traditional crafts, weaponry and Viking trading ship displays.

Visitors will also have the chance to dine with Canute and his second wife in a dining experience at York’s Merchant Taylors Hall.

Another highlight includes the Brawl at the Guildhall, a fight of strength and skill among Vikings alike. This will lead onto the grand finale floodlit battle at the Eye of York on Saturday 20th February.

Many events are free whereas tickets are required for the Grand Finale, Viking Feast and Brawl at the Guildhall.

Groups of 15 or more people will find discounted tickets and offers available; call 01904-615505 or e-mail groups@yorkat.co.uk to speak to the dedicated groups team.

For more information visit www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk.