2013 JORVIK Viking Festival Programme

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York Archaeological Trust will be joining forces with a host of venues in Yorkshire to bring visitors the 2nd Yorkshire Medieval Festival.

Combining falconry, archery, thrilling re-enactments, activities for children, dramatic performances and guided visits to a host of stunning medieval sites in gorgeous settings; the Yorkshire Medieval Festival promises to continue to be a brilliant addition to Yorkshire’s calendar.

Visit www.yorkshire-medieval-festival.co.uk for more information or tweet #yorkshiremedfest for the latest updates.

28th Annual

JORVIK

Viking Festival Programme

16th to 24th February - York

Tickets can be booked online or by calling the ticketing Box Office on 01904 615505.

Lines open 9am – 5pm, Mon-Fri. 10am – 2pm Sat. Festival Office, JORVIK Viking Centre, Coppergate, York YO1 9WT www.jorvik-viking-festival.com #JorvikVikingFestival Keep up to date on all The JORVIK Group’s festivals and events by joining our mailing list online or follow us on twitter @jorvikviking Events correct at time of press.

The organisers reserve the right to alter or withdraw events.

JORVIK Viking Festival is managed by York Archaeological Trust, a registered Charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (No. SCO42846).

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The Annual JORVIK Viking Festival returns in 2013 with an exciting mixture of combat, academic, archaeological and historical events celebrating the fearsome Vikings that once ruled this great land. Join us for the biggest Viking Festival in Europe, from 16 - 24th February, and encounter the Vikings as they return to the place they once called home.

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Bacchus Wines & Spirits Barley Hall Black Swan Pub City Screen Clifford’s Tower Coppergate Square Danelaw Murton Park (4 miles from York) Dean’s Park

9 DIG 10 Eye of York 11 Explore York Learning Centre 12 Fibbers 13 Fulford Cemetery (2 miles from York) 14 JORVIK Viking Centre 15 Merchant Adventurer’s Hall 16 Micklegate Bar Museum

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National Centre for Early Music Parliament Street St. Sampson’s Square Stamford Bridge (8 miles from York) York Guildhall York Mansion House York Minster

Early Bird discounted ticket packages available.

& Comedy

Walks & Talks | Adult - £15

The Jarl’s Pass

Sagas

& Swords

Walks

Combat

Combat & Comedy | Family of 4 - £35 | Family of 5 - £40

& Talks

Take advantage of these specially reduced ticket packages available to buy before 31st January, and only available from the ticketing Box Office: 01904 615505.

Festival Combat Arena: Violent Vikings!

– See listing on Monday 18th Festival Combat Arena: The Golden Age of the Sword – See listing on Tuesday 19th – See listing on Wednesday 20th Festival Combat Arena: Duel!

– See listing on Thursday 21st Festival Combat Arena: Stand and Deliver!

Festival Combat Arena: The Real Pirates of the Caribbean! – See listing on Friday 22nd

Helen Thirza Addyman Lecture with Stephen Driscoll Secrets of Stonehenge Festival Walking Tour

– See listing on Tuesday 19th – See listing on Thursday 21st – See listing on Monday 18th (ticket available for one walk from 18th - 22nd)

Sagas & Swords | Parent & Child ticket - £8 Viking Boy and Valhallla with Tony Bradman Beowulf Puppet Show Have-a-go Sword Combat

– See listing on Monday 18th – See listing on Thursday 21st – See listing on Monday 18th (ticket available for one session from 18th - 22nd)

The Jarl’s Pass | 2 x Adults - £100 | Family of 4 - £175

The ultimate saver-ticket! Gives the holder admission to the following Festival events and attractions: 12 months admission to JORVIK* 12 months admission to DIG* 12 months admission to Barley Hall* 12 months admission to Micklegate Bar Museum* – See listings 18th - 22nd (ticket available for one walk) Festival Walking Tour Strongman Challenge for Children – See listings 18th - 22nd Meet the Experts: Finding York – See listings 18th - 22nd Meet the Experts: Conserving History – See listing on Tuesday 19th Meet the Experts: Viking Poo! – See listing on Wednesday 20th Meet the Experts: Scanning Stonehenge – See listing on Thursday 21st Meet the Experts: Partners in Crime – See listing on Friday 22nd The Original Viking Feast Night!

– See listing on Friday 22nd Festival Spectacular Finale – See listing on Saturday 23rd *Only available during normal admission hours, not special events

In 2012, York Archaeological Trust, the organisers of JORVIK Viking Festival, celebrated 40 years of archaeological excavation and explanation. To celebrate this landmark year, YAT is hosting specially commissioned events at this year’s Festival.

Saturday 16th February Coppergate Camp 10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00, 15:00) Coppergate Square | FREE The Vikings have invaded Coppergate and set up encampment like they did over 1,000 years ago. Meet the Vikings and learn about life at sea and on dry land in this fun encampment featuring a Viking longship kitted out for war. Hear tales of ancient myths, gods and warriors in the storytelling tent and let the cunning woman prescribe her cures for aches, pains and war wounds!

Eye of York Encampment 10:00 – 16:00 (Skirmishes 12:00, 14:00) | Eye of York | FREE Viking-era life in action continues at the Eye of York, by Clifford’s Tower, where Saxon locals have settled – come along and learn how Saxon farmer- warriors lived and watch out for clashes between the rival camps!

Hidden York with Mick Aston

Hidden York with Mick Aston 14:00 – 16:00 | York Guildhall | FREE Bring along items you have found for Time Team’s Mick Aston to identify. See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Ray Cooper at Barley Hall 19:30 | Barley Hall | £14 Adult, £12 Conc.

The stunning candlelit setting of Barley Hall plays host to legendary folk musician, Ray Cooper. A talented singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Ray’s music is influenced both by Scotland, which is part of his heritage, and by Sweden where he now lives. With the real ale flowing at the Hall bar and a promise from Ray to play a few slängposkor (old Swedish dance tunes), this intimate evening concert will truly be a unique Festival highlight not to be missed! Prebooking advised: 01904 615505

Monday 18th February

14:00 – 16:00 | York Guildhall | FREE With the help of popular archaeologist, Mick Aston of Time Team fame, we are calling all budding archaeologists to bring things found in gardens/ allotments/attics for Mick and our experts to identify and plot on our giant York archaeology map!

Even if you have no finds of your own to bring, come along and meet some of our experts to see and handle some of the fascinating finds from the Coppergate and Hungate digs here in York. This promises to be an interesting day and who knows; maybe you will unearth a hidden treasure!

Coppergate Camp

Sunday 17th February

10:30 – 16:00 | St Sampson’s Square Marquee FREE (small charge for some activities) Try your hand at a range of historical crafts in our marquee dedicated to all things creative! Have a go at making a Viking pot; try out leather working, lucet braiding, rune stamping, willow weaving and bead crafts; DIG for Viking treasure; lend a hand to build a Viking shelter; design and make a festival badge or tee shirt, plus much more!

Coppergate Camp 10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 Coppergate Square | FREE A Viking encampment and longship.

See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Eye of York Encampment 10:00 – 16:00 (Skirmishes 12:00, 14:00 Eye of York | FREE A Saxon settlement featuring warrior clashes.

See listing for Saturday 16th February.

10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00, 15:00) | Coppergate Square | FREE A Viking encampment and longship. See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Meet the Experts: Finding York 10:00 – 15:00 | Barley Hall | Normal Admission Prices Apply Join experts from York Archaeological Trust who will show you fascinating finds from past excavations in York, including those from the recent Hungate excavation, York’s largest ever archaeological dig!

Historical Arts & Crafts

Have-a-go Sword Combat 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £3. Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

A chance for children to get a taste of sword fighting – just like in the movies!

Instructed by two Viking warriors, young combatants are sure to enjoy this fun workshop of battle skills. Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505.

Strong Man Challenge for Children 11:00 – 16:00 | DIG | Normal admission prices apply Test your strength and dexterity with a series of Viking-themed games and challenges – the overall winner at the end of the week will receive a prize pack of goodies! Watch out for cameo appearances through the week from strongmen appearing at the Amazing Strongman Competition on Saturday 23rd!

Festival Combat Arena: Violent Vikings!

11:30, 13:30, 15:30 | York Guildhall £3 Adult, £2 Conc. Available as part of the Combat & Comedy package.

It seems there is a matter of honour at stake and two mighty warriors have to settle their dispute with a Holmgang (a duel practised by early medieval Scandinavians) - but whose prowess will shine through and whose honour will be upheld?! Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505.

Festival Walking Tour 14:00 | Departs Micklegate Bar Museum £4 Adult, £3 Conc. Available as part of the Walks & Talks package Take a walk below the ancient city walls of York and see how the history of York is the history of Britain. This guided tour takes you along Roman foundations, Viking borders and Civil War defences right through to Georgian destruction and Victorian promenades. Please dress accordingly for the weather and be prepared to walk long distances and up steps as you follow York’s fascinating history. Walk lasts approx 1 hour. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

Viking Boy and Valhalla with Tony Bradman 15:30 | York Mansion House | £2 Adult, £1 Conc Join award-winning author Tony Bradman as he explores his brand new novel Viking Boy. An action-packed blend of historical adventure and fantasy for junior readers; a blast of uncensored Viking adventure!

Gunnar is the son of a Viking chieftain, living peacefully on his family steading with his mother, father and their people – until they are raided by Skuli and his Wolf Men, who raze his home to the ground and take his father’s life.

Gunnar swears an oath to avenge his father’s death and save his mother from Skuli – but first he must run to save himself. Murderous raiders, hand to hand battles to the death, mythical flying wolves and a relentless sea journey to the Land of Fire and Ice... Unknown to Gunnar, his life has been foretold, and he finds he has a destiny greater than his own story. Suitable for age 9+ Prebooking advised: 01904 615505

Film: Thor 3D 20:30 | City Screen Cinema | £9 Adult, £7 Conc.

This epic 3D adventure spans from present day Earth to the mystical realm of Asgard. The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior, reignites an ancient war through his reckless actions. As a result, Thor is banished to Earth where he is forced to live among humans. When the most dangerous villain of his world sends its darkest forces to invade Earth, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero: 0871 902 5726.

Tuesday 19th February Coppergate Camp 10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00, 15:00) Coppergate Square | FREE A Viking encampment and longship.

See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Meet the Experts: Conserving History 10:00 – 15:00 | Barley Hall | Normal Admission Prices Apply Join experts from York Archaeological Trust’s conservation team for a look at amazing finds from the Trust’s extensive collection and hear how different techniques are used to preserve these ancient relics.

Historical Arts & Crafts 10:30 – 16:00 | St Sampson’s Square Marquee FREE (small charge for some activities) Viking-themed crafting activities in our city-centre marquee.

See listing for Monday 18th February.

Helen Thirza Addyman Lecture with Stephen Driscoll

10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £3. Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

Sword fighting workshop for children.

See listing for Monday 18th February.

19:00 | DIG £4 (£3 Friends of YAT). Available as part of the Walks & Talks package This special evening acknowledges the financial support provided by the late Helen Thirza Addyman bequest, which contributed to the creation of DIG. Addressing the guests will be Professor Stephen Driscoll of the University of Glasgow, whose work on the Viking-era kingdom of Strathclyde and the archaeology of its capital at Govan has shed new light on the stature and role of this early medieval royal centre in the wider Viking world. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

Strong Man Challenge for Children

Wednesday 20th February

Have-a-go Sword Combat

11:00 – 16:00 | DIG | Normal admission prices apply Viking-themed games and challenges. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Festival Combat Arena: The Golden Age of the Sword 11:30, 13:30, 15:30 | York Guildhall £3 Adult, £2 Conc. Available as part of the Combat & Comedy package.

Witness dramatic and colourful displays of rapier and dagger, sword and buckler and all manner of other fighting techniques, as we bring to life the use of the sword from the glorious age of the Tudors.

Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505.

Festival Walking Tour 14:00 | Departs Micklegate Bar Museum | £4 adult, £3 conc.

Available as part of the Walks & Talks package A fascinating historical walk through York. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Coppergate Camp

10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00, 15:00) | Coppergate Square | FREE A Viking encampment and longship. See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Meet the Experts: Viking Poo! 11:00, 14:00 | Barley Hall £6 Adult, £4.50 Conc (includes admission to Barley Hall) As seen on QI! Talks for all the family by Dr Andrew ‘Bone’ Jones of York Archaeological Trust, who will show how archaeologists use this invaluable material to learn about our ancestors. Pre-booking essential for this very popular event: 01904 615505.

Meet the Experts: Vikings - traders, looters or settlers?

10:00 – 15:00 | Barley Hall | Normal Admission Prices Apply Become an archaeological detective and hunt for clues about Viking life. Dr Cathy Batt (University of Bradford) will discuss how science can provide us with evidence of what the Vikings were doing in York and elsewhere. A talk with hands-on activities. In conjunction with the British Academy.

Poo Day! 11:30 – 16:00 | Barley Hall | Normal admission prices apply Learn more about the muckier side of archaeology, have a go at making your very own replica historic poo and discover how poo is used to solve ancient mysteries.

Historical Arts & Crafts 10:30 – 16:00 | St Sampson’s Square Marquee FREE (small charge for some activities) Viking-themed crafting activities in our city-centre marquee. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Have-a-go Sword Combat 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £3. Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

Sword fighting workshop for children. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Strong Man Challenge for Children

Heimkoma

11:00 – 16:00 | DIG | Normal admission prices apply Viking-themed games and challenges. See listing for Monday 18th February.

19:30 | York Minster | £12 adult, £10 conc.

A very special event for the 2013 Festival. Join King Svein and his son, the famous Cnut, to celebrate their Heimkoma (Homecoming) in this beautiful and richly historic venue as Viking performers of Jorvik seek to impress the new King with music, song and Norse poetry by atmospheric candlelight. Featuring contributions from The 24 Choir, soloist Hannah Witcomb and Jorvik Vikings. Pre-booking essential: 0844 939 0015.

Film: Brave 3D 11:00 | City Screen Cinema | £9 Adult, £7 Conc.

Another chance to see this fantastic Disney tale, this time in 3D splendour!

Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor; determined to carve her own path in life, she defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land, inadvertently unleashing chaos and fury in the kingdom!

Pre-booking with City Screen: 0871 902 5726.

Festival Combat Arena: Duel!

11:30, 13:30, 15:30 | York Guildhall £3 Adult, £2 Conc. Available as part of the Combat & Comedy package.

A story as old as the hills; two men with tongues as sharp as their swords fight over a beautiful woman. Skill, heroism and a smattering of manliness shine through in this amusing display of swordsmanship and honour.

Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505.

York’s History of Horrors with Terry Deary 14:00 | National Centre for Early Music | £5 Adult, £3.50 Conc.

Gather for a gruesome show of the seven most horrid characters from York’s history brought to you by master storyteller and author of Horrible Histories, Terry Deary. With an opportunity afterwards to meet the man himself, ask questions and get your books signed, this exclusive event promises to be an unforgettable addition to the 2013 programme. Books available to buy at the event.

Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505.

Festival Walking Tour 14:00 | Departs Micklegate Bar Museum £4 Adult, £3 Conc. Available as part of the Walks & Talks package A fascinating historical walk through York. See listing for Monday 18th February.

The Traitor’s Pit with Victoria Whitworth 15:30 | York Mansion House | £2 Adult, £1 Conc.

Join Victoria Whitworth, lecturer in Nordic Studies at the University of the Highlands & Islands, as she introduces her latest book – The Traitor’s Pit. This fascinating story tells of divided loyalties - Wulfgar (hero of The Bone Thief) needs to find the evidence to save his brother from execution in Wessex, but his Lady orders him north on a diplomatic mission which will ensure her position on the throne of Mercia. As a hostage in Jorvik, he finds much more than he had bargained for! Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505

Thursday 21st February Coppergate Camp

10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00, 15:00) | Coppergate Square | FREE A Viking encampment and longship. See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Meet the Experts: Stonehenge: A Digital Archaeology 10:00 – 15:00 | Barley Hall | Normal Admission Prices Apply Meet our archaeological expert, Marcus Abbott, to learn about the recent digital study of Stonehenge and the new discoveries there. See how the application of cutting edge digital technology is being used on other sites to help archaeologists learn more about the past.

Historical Arts & Crafts 10:30 – 16:00 | St Sampson’s Square Marquee FREE (small charge for some activities) Viking-themed crafting activities in our city-centre marquee. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Have-a-go Sword Combat 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £3. Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

Sword fighting workshop for children. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Strong Man Challenge for Children 11:00 – 16:00 | DIG | Normal admission prices apply Viking-themed games and challenges.

See listing for Monday 18th February.

Festival Combat Arena: Stand and Deliver!

11:30, 13:30, 15:30 | York Guildhall £3 Adult, £2 Conc. Available as part of the Combat & Comedy package.

Encounter two dandy highwaymen who may not be all that they seem... with exciting sword fights and deadly arguments this is a show not to be missed!

Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505

Festival Walking Tour 14:00 | Departs Micklegate Bar Museum £4 Adult, £3 Conc. Available as part of the Walks & Talks package A fascinating historical walk through York. See listing for Monday 18th February.

The Viking Spirit & The Warrior’s Way 15:30 | York Mansion House | £2 adult, £1 conc A reading, Q&A and book-signing opportunity with Giles Kristian, author of the bestselling RAVEN series (Odin’s Wolves, Sons of Thunder, Bloodeye). ‘His battle scenes are bone-crunchingly good, his descriptions of the Viking world bright and evocative’ Ben Kane.

Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505. Suitable for age 10+

Beowulf Puppet Show 14:00 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall | £4 conc (1 FREE adult place per child) Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

An ancient tale, written 1000 years ago....King Hrothgar built a great hall at the top of a hill so that his importance would always be remembered...but there was already a creature living on the hill… Grendel was his name! And so starts the classic story of Beowulf – The Dragon Slayer, who crosses land and sea to find adventure and fame, meeting monsters and a dragon!

Pre-booking advised: 01904 615505. Suitable for ages 7+.

Secrets of Stonehenge

Have-a-go Sword Combat 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £3. Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

Sword fighting workshop for children. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Film: How to Train Your Dragon 3D 11:00 | City Screen Cinema | £9 Adult, £7 Conc.

Another chance to see this fantastic Dreamworks film in 3D splendour! Join young Viking Hiccup as he aspires to follow his tribe’s tradition of becoming a dragon slayer!

Pre-booking with City Screen: 0871 902 5726.

Strong Man Challenge for Children 11:00 – 16:00 | DIG | Normal admission prices apply Viking-themed games and challenges. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Mini Musical Vikings with BASH! 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 | DIG | £3 conc (1 FREE adult place per child) A chance for smaller fans of the Vikings to sing and make music with some familiar rhymes given a Viking twist. Row, row, row your longship along for a fun and relaxed workshop designed especially for five years and under.

Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505

Festival Combat Arena: The Real Pirates of the Caribbean!

19:00 | York Guildhall | £9 adult, £7 conc (Includes welcome drink & nibbles) Available as part of the Walks & Talks package Join archaeologist Mike Parker-Pearson for a look at the exciting results of recent investigations and laser scanning of Stonehenge conducted by ArcHeritage, York Archaeological Trust’s Sheffield unit. This event is a must for both fans of archaeology and anyone intrigued by the mystery of this magnificent ancient monument. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

11:30, 13:30, 15:30 | York Guildhall £3 Adult, £2 Conc. Available as part of the Combat & Comedy package.

Hot on the tail of the pirates who plundered the seven seas was the Royal Navy, always keen to catch a pirate or two and bring them justice. Witness the capture of one of the most notorious pirates of all time – who might not be quite what he seems. With thrilling fights and swash buckling antics! Prebooking advised: 01904 615505.

Friday 22nd February

Festival Walking Tour

Coppergate Camp

10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00, 15:00) | Coppergate Square | FREE A Viking encampment and longship. See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Meet the Experts: Partners in Crime 10:00 – 15:00 | Barley Hall | Normal Admission Prices Apply Join Northlight Heritage forensic archaeologists to discover how archaeology is helping to bring serious criminals to justice. Visit the crime scene and learn how a body is recovered, evidence gathered and events interpreted.

Tenth-century Traders 10:00 – 16:00 | St Sampson’s Square Marquee & Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £2 Adult, £1.50 Conc. £5 family, 50p re-enactors Vikings from around the world gather to sell their wares, including weapons, jewellery, costume, chests, bowls, tankards, lanterns, belts, shoes and pottery.

14:00 | Departs Micklegate Bar Museum £4 Adult, £3 Conc. Available as part of the Walks & Talks package A fascinating historical walk through York. See listing for Monday 18th February.

Minster of Mystery 15:00 | York Minster | normal admission prices apply Join York Archaeological Trust’s Ian Milsted for a family-friendly talk about how archaeologists investigate and understand findings over long periods of time like those at York Minster, when evidence can be fragile and has a rare chance of survival. Plus, all will be revealed from the recent excavations in the Minster Undercroft!

Pre-booking advised to avoid disappointment: 0844 939 0015.

The Original Viking Feast Night!

19:30 | National Centre for Early Music | £35 (Includes drinks*) Following the success of last year’s inaugural banquet, visitors are once again welcomed to a unique event at an historic venue by a torchlit Viking War band, before enjoying an evening of authentic Viking feasting hosted by our Jarl and his warriors who will entertain you with fantastic trials of strength and performance as the wine and music flow! Featuring fun and entertaining appearances from York Archaeological Trust experts in Viking history, this is an event not to be missed! Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505. *Wine will be provided with your meal and thereafter drinks will be available to purchase from the bar.

Saturday 23rd February Coppergate Camp 10:00 – 16:00 (Storytelling 11:00, 13:00) | Coppergate Square | FREE A Viking encampment and longship. See listing for Saturday 16th February.

Brawl at the Guildhall: The Strongest Viking Competition!

10:00 – 12:30* | York Guildhall | FREE – Donations to York Archaeological Trust gratefully received (numbers are limited due to capacity of building) Join mighty warriors as they compete against one another in a range of challenging tests of strength to win the coveted Viking Strongman trophy!

Come along and cheer for your favourite as they compete in events such as log carrying, tug-of-war, wrestling and many more! - will Jorfor ‘Bringer of War’ be able to retain his coveted title? Word spreads across the cold North Seas that Scandinavian forces are bringing their champions to prove their might. #strongestviking *Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Tenth-century Traders 10:00 – 16:00 | St Sampson’s Square Marquee & Merchant Adventurer’s Hall £2 Adult, £1.50 Conc, £5 family, 50p re-enactors A unique opportunity to purchase Viking-themed merchandise. See listing for Friday 22nd.

Have-a-go Sword Combat 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £3. Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

Sword fighting workshop for children. See listing for Monday 18th February.

March to Coppergate 13:30 | Dean’s Park, next to York Minster | FREE See the Vikings muster and march across the city to Coppergate in a fantastic show of strength. An excellent opportunity to capture your Instagram photo and enter our photography competition!

Prepare for Battle 14:30 | Eye of York (by Clifford’s Tower) FREE (spectator numbers are limited due to capacity of site) A clash of sword and shield as warriors prepare and practice for battle!

6th Annual Best Beard Competition 15:00 | Coppergate Camp | FREE A fun competition for men, women and children wishing to parade their facial hair in an effort to win the coveted Viking Best Beard trophy!

Recognition will be given to both length and creativity; homemade beards are permitted, but not for men. Judging at 15:00, participants to register at 14:30. #bestbeard

Festival Spectacular Finale Doors open at 18:00, Entertainment commences at 18:30, Event ends at 20:00 Eye of York (by Clifford’s Tower) | £10 Adult, £7.50 Conc. £30 Family of 4, £35 Family of 5 York will once again become a fiery battleground as two Viking hordes collide in the finale of the JORVIK Viking Festival 2013. For the victors, the mighty city of York and all its riches. For the vanquished, only slavery and death await.

Weapons will clash in a desperate struggle for honour and revenge, before a fallen Viking is sent in flames to Valhalla, the warrior afterlife. See this thrilling story unfold with dazzling sound and light effects in the historic surroundings of the Eye of York.

Please be advised this event sells out well in advance so book early.

Pre-booking: 01904 615505

Sunday 24th February Tenth-century Traders 10:00 – 16:00 | St Sampson’s Square Marquee & Merchant Adventurer’s Hall £2 Adult, £1.50 Conc, £5 family, 50p re-enactors A unique opportunity to purchase Viking-themed merchandise. See listing for Friday 22nd.

Have-a-go Sword Combat 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall £3 Available as part of the Sagas & Swords package.

Sword fighting workshop for children. See listing for Monday 18th February.

FRINGE PROGRAMME Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th February Viking Family Fun Trail

10:00 – 16:00 daily | Clifford’s Tower I Normal admission prices apply (English Heritage members FREE) Concealed within the tower are the mini model Viking Gods and Goddesses who promise a small prize to those who can find them! Further information from: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events

Saturday 16th February

Could you be a Viking Warrior?

11:30 – 15:30 | Explore York Library Learning Centre (Brierley Room) | FREE Do you have the skills to be a Viking warrior? Drop in and join our Viking war gamers and find out. Learn all about how the Vikings fought their battles and see if you can be on the winning side.

This event is open to anyone aged 8 and over. You can come at any time during the session and stay for as long as you want to. Further information from: 01904 552828 /exploreyork@york.gov.uk / library.york.gov.uk

Monday 18th February

Thursday 21st February

14:00, 16:00, 18:00 | Bacchus Wines & Spirits | £5 adult, child FREE Come along to Bacchus Wines & Spirits during the Viking Festival for an experience in mead tasting. Pre-booking essential: 01904 633949

11:00 – 15:00 | Danelaw, Murton Park | Normal admission prices apply See fringe event listing on Tuesday 19th February.

Mead Tasting

Tuesday 19th February Be a Viking

11:00 – 15:00 | Danelaw, Murton Park | Normal admission prices apply Dress up as a Viking before being taken into our Viking village. Here you will learn what life was like 1100 years ago in authentic surroundings and enjoy hands-on activities. Pre-booking essential: 01904 489966

Mead Tasting

14:00, 16:00, 18:00 | Bacchus Wines & Spirits | £5 adult, child FREE See fringe event listing on Monday 18th February.

Wednesday 20th February Viking Family Activities

10:00 – 15:00 | York Minster Normal admission prices apply + £2.50 charge for workshops Family fun activities inspired by York Minster’s Viking past. Including Viking shield making and Viking tales.

Be a Viking

11:00 – 15:00 | Danelaw, Murton Park | Normal admission prices apply See fringe event listing on Tuesday 19th February.

Mead Tasting

14:00, 16:00, 18:00 | Bacchus Wines & Spirits | £5 adult, child FREE Mead tasting experience. See fringe event listing on Monday 18th February.

York Anglo-Scandinavian Society Storytelling Evening

19:00 | York Mansion House £5 adult, £3 conc (Includes FREE glass of wine or soft alternative) Vikings were great story-tellers and the custom is far from dead. Come and hear York’s Anglo-Scandinavians continuing the tradition today.

Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th February The Danes are Back!

Parliament Street | FREE The year is 1013 and Danish Viking Svein Forkbeard arrive on the Eastern shores of England to conquer the land and become the ruling Viking chief!

Now it is 2013 and 1000 years later the Danes are back - this time in peace!

Come and meet us for some real Danish Viking entertainment, hear the story of King Forkbeard as well as the legend of Beowulf and receive fun giveaways for the children. Take part in our competition for a chance to WIN a family Viking trip to Denmark!

Be a Viking

Mead Tasting

14:00, 16:00, 18:00 | Bacchus Wines & Spirits | £5 adult, child FREE See fringe event listing on Monday 18th February.

Friday 22nd February

Viking Family Activities

10:00 – 15:00 | York Minster Normal admission prices apply + £2.50 charge for workshops See fringe event listing for Wednesday 20th February.

Scoot Cycling Tour – Stamford Bridge

10:00 | Meet opposite the Black Swan pub, York | £20 per person York is surrounded by bloody history, several significant battles have been fought near here and their impact on England’s history has been enormous.

See the battlefield from the saddle with this unique cycle tour! Pre-booking essential: info@scootcyclingholidays.co.uk

Saturday 23rd February

Heidevolk supported Celtachor and Cryptic Age

Doors open 19:30, headline act 21:30 | Fibbers | £14 Heidevolk have forged their very own brand of pagan folk metal with an instantly recognisable sound that will take you back to the early medieval times of North-West Europe. Presented by Asgard, this event sold out in 2012 so book early to avoid disappointment!

Tickets available online: http://www.fibbers.co.uk/bands/872/

Sunday 24th February

Fulford Battlefield Walk

11:00 | Meet on the playing fields opposite Fulford Cemetery | FREE In 1066 the first of three battles that would decide the fate of Anglo-Saxon England was fought at Fulford, just 2km south of York City centre. Join Chas Jones, author of Finding Fulford, for a guided walk of this richly historic site. Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear, and be prepared to walk long distances. Walk should last approx 2 hours and the site is accessible to pushchairs.