If you have an interest in Vikings then York is the place to visit any time of the year but particularly in February. Every year for the past twenty years the Yorvik Viking Centre has held a Viking Festival to celebrate those warriors who ruled York on and off between AD 866 and AD 954 when Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking king was expelled. But many rich Vikings continued to live in York which was why the archaeological digs performed between 1979 and 1981 found such a rich treasure of objects, many of which are on display in the Yorvik Centre in York today.
The Viking festival, which runs from Wednesday 14th February to Sunday 18th February 2007, is packed with activities. Wednesday is Childrens day and highlights include the chance to talk to archaeologists, children's and late night digs, a comedy Viking walk and a free balloon release, which is an amazing thing to see!
Thursday is Combat day with activities and demonstrations all through the day in the Festival Marquee. On Friday it's Viking arts day which provides an introduction to the art and architecture of the period and the chance to be involved in the recreation of some Viking art yourself.
The weekend sees even more activities for children with Saturday as Invasion day. There are stories and crafts for children plus the chance for them to be made up as Vikings, always a winner with the little ones! There is also a recreation of the last battle of Eric Bloodaxe in the evening which promises to be a light and sound spectacular so you may want to book for that one!
Finally on Sunday, the last day of the festival, it's international day where you can see Vikings from all over the world. There is also a chance to see some Falconry at the York Eye, an event worth seeing! Alongside the Festival itself many of the local stores are running fringe events with special displays, demonstrations and offers to tempt you!
York is a beautiful city and a wonderful place to visit at any time but during the times of the Vikings it was second only to London in size and importance in England. During February there is a chance to experience the excitement and grandeur of a major city as it was during it's greatest period, an event not to be missed! Find out more about the event at see any latest changes to the schedule at the Yorvik Viking Centre website.
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