York’s Parliament Street has been transformed into a bustling Viking hub today, marking the start of the much-anticipated JORVIK Viking Festival. As Europe’s largest Viking festival kicks off, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, setting the perfect scene for a day filled with Norse-themed activities.
From 10:00 am, a lively encampment opened its doors to thousands of visitors eager to experience the fascinating world of the Vikings. The site features an array of live demonstrations throughout the week, where guests can try their hand at Viking crafts such as wood carving, pottery, weaving, and woodwork. There’s also the unique chance to hold Viking-age weapons and chat with costumed Vikings.
For those seeking a break from the February chill, two tipi-style tents, known as “lavvu,” provide warmth and entertainment. One tent hosts delicious Viking-inspired food, while the other offers Viking-themed games and storytelling. Meanwhile, a large marquee features the Berserker Bootcamp, where young adventurers can learn swordplay, shield defence, and axe throwing.
“JORVIK Viking Festival has been an absolute staple of York’s tourism calendar for four decades now, and seeing the vibrant bustle in the encampment within minutes of opening, it is very clear that enthusiasm continues to grow,” commented Lisa Wood, head of marketing and communications.
The festival also sees the return of “Poo Week” at JORVIK Viking Centre’s sister attraction, DIG. Poo Day has been extended to a full week this year, giving children the chance to recreate the famous Lloyds Bank Coprolite – the fossilised Viking-age poo displayed at JORVIK – using salt dough and various undigested items like seeds, fish bones, and even worms.
Alongside these activities, visitors can enjoy mead-tasting, a Viking banquet, an illustration workshop, and the Helen Thirza Addyman lecture, which explores the creation of the JORVIK Viking Centre in the 1980s. A free Top Trumps trail around York is also on offer, with oversized cards displayed across the city, inspired by the new JORVIK Viking Centre Top Trumps game, launched earlier this month. Full sets of the cards are available to purchase from the Midgard Marquee on Parliament Street.
The mid-week half-term activities build up to a spectacular finale on Saturday 22 February, when around 200 Vikings will march through York from Minster to Coppergate. The Viking Games at the Eye of York will see competitors battle it out in front of an eager crowd before they join their armies for a grand battle in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower.
For the first time, two large-scale evening events will take place at the Eye of York on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February. These dramatic performances will bring to life the tale of Tyrfing: The Cursed Sword in a stunning son-et-lumière spectacular.
With many events already selling out, early booking is advised. Visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk to secure tickets.
Visitors can also grab the last few tickets for A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre, which recreates Viking-age York under a blanket of snow. This special event, marking JORVIK’s 40th anniversary, has been hugely popular throughout its three-month run. Tickets must be pre-booked at jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk.
