This year’s festival is set in the year 1014, when war is raging in England. The country is under the heel of the Danes, who exact yearly punitive tributes. The ousted King Ethelred is ready to plot vengeance and had allied with Olaf Haraldsson, a young Viking adventurer. The two approach the settlement of York to discover whether the men of York will support them.
Programme for the Yorvik Viking Festival 2011
The festival opens on 19 February with Odin’s Tales, a fringe event at York Library Learning Centre, 2pm. Storyteller Adrian Spenlow spins fairy tales and classic yarns.
Events for 20 February include a festival coach tour titled Ancient Mysteries with Dr Chris Tuckley and Dr David Petts; as well as ‘insects under the microscope’ event at DIG.
The following day sees the opening of the Viking camp at Coppergate, which will be open until 26 February, the penultimate day of the festival. Here, visitors can learn about life at sea and on dry land with crafts and a replica Viking ship. There will also be a Viking strength challenge and craft activities at DIG.
On 23 February, the Viking strength challenge and Coppergate camp continue, as well as historical crafts at St Sampson’s Square marquee, including potting, leather work and willow weaving. The marquee is also the venue for a 24 February ‘battlefield bloodshed event’ which is a one hour display of medieval warfare techniques, held 10.30am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.30pm.
A tenth century traders market on 24 February at St Sampson’s Square marquee sees Vikings from around the world offering their wares, including weapons, jewellery, shoes and pottery, items which could have been found in a medieval market.
On 26 February, the Hungate Dig offers an open day to allow visitors to understand more about the archaeological work taking place on the site. The fifteenth-century Holy Trinity Church at Goodramgate is open 10.30am to 4pm and is offering non-alcoholic mulled wine to visitors.
On the final day of the festival, 27 February, there will be a living history event at Guildhall Market, and another chance to visit the tenth century traders market.
How to Book Yorvik Viking Festival 2011 Events
For more information, or to make a booking for a special event, tel: 01904 615505; or book online at the Viking Festival booking centre. The full programme and any updates can be seen at the festival website.
Sources
Yorvik Viking Festival 2011 website
York Tourist Information
Rachel Bellerby - I am an experienced UK writer with two non-fiction books and more than 100 articles published in the UK and US. As a mum of three young ...
