FAMILY-friendly events at a variety of locations around York are promised by organisers of the Jorvik Viking Festival.
The Viking Steading will be part of a free Viking encampment taking place in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square throughout the 31st festival, which runs from Saturday to Sunday, February 22. Sheep, pigs, a pony and a calf will be joined by plenty of poultry to give a whole new take on the “urban farm” concept on the opening weekend of the festival, with experts on hand to talk about Viking farming techniques.
Festival director Danielle Daglan said: “Many people assume that Viking Jorvik was just a small village or settlement, but in fact, in the 10th and 11th centuries, Jorvik was a thriving metropolis of thousands of souls.
“The Coppergate dig of the late 1970s revealed some of the tenements occupied by the Norse settlers, but that is just one street of many in the city.
“Much of the city centre that we know today would have been occupied or used for farming to sustain this community, so it is fantastic that we’re able to bring some of the livestock back to the heart of the York for this year’s Festival.”
Other highlights include:
• Poo day, Tuesday, February 17, at Barley Hall, when archaeologists explain the dirtier side of archaeology, with a chance to create your very own replica historic poo to take home;
• Craft and play the Viking Way, Monday, February 16, to Thursday, February 19, in St Sampson’s Square, where a new saga written by students at Robert Wilkinson Primary and illustrated by the children at Lord Deramore School will be revealed, along with hands-on fun craft activities. A small charge applies for some activities;
• Viking warrior challenge for children, daily, from noon to 4pm, at DIG in St Saviourgate, when Vikings will talent scout for the next generation of strongest Vikings;
• Popular children’s author Jeremy Strong will be chatting about his hilarious Viking stories, and about how he transforms his ideas into the characters and adventures that children love. It takes place on Wednesday, February 18, 2pm, at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. Tickets are £7.50 per person, which includes a free child’s ticket to Jorvik Viking Centre with each child’s ticket purchased.
Danielle said: “Children of all ages will also love our Festival Finale day on February 21, with the traditional parade of Viking warriors through the streets of York, our annual ‘best beard competition’ in the afternoon and, of course, the live sound, light, pyrotechnics and battle finale event at the Eye of York on the Saturday evening, which promises excitement, thrills and spills as we revisit the origins of Viking mythology.”
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