Jorvik Viking Festival
-
Did you ever wish you had a time machine and could go back in history to meet the Vikings, ask questions and even try on their helmets or handle swords and shields?
That's what we did and you can do it too at The Jorvik Viking Festival
"It's not just an event it's an ADVENTURE!"
Would you like to discover how the Vikings lived, what they wore, what they ate and how they did battle? An excellent way to find out is by visiting the Jorvik Viking Festival.
Ok you ask, so what can I do at a Viking Festival?
Well, the most exiting thing you do is meeting the Vikings (it's obvious really). Many of the events are organized to help you do this.
My favourite this year was A Day in the Life (of a Viking) It was held in Barley Hall, a medieval house in the centre of York. The house was filled with Viking re-enactors who were eating Viking food, making Viking clothes and displaying Viking weapons.
What makes these people unique is their knowledge of, and passion for, this period of history, and like anyone who loves a subject, they like nothing more than telling you about it.
The Vikings told you that even simple things like getting new clothes would have taken a very long time. First the Vikings had to get the fleece from the sheep, and then spin this in to yarn, before it could be woven into cloth and finally made in to clothes.
I asked how long it took a Viking to make breakfast,
well, we started of with gathering wood for the fire, then finding a chicken to lay an egg, grinding corn to make grain (by hand of course) not to mention making the bread. I bet you wouldn't dare to ask for butter on your bread!
What about the big battle?
Would you like to have been a spectator at a real Viking battle? Well "the clash of the forces" is about as close as you can get
There must have been several thousand people in the eye of York to see this, which is always a big event in York's calendar. Regia Anglorum, the organization that recreates the battle, always put on a stunning show, which is historically accurate as well as being frighteningly realistic.
But remember the battle is very popular so you must be early to get a good view.
I made this page about the 2004 Jorvik Viking Festival (there is a Viking festival every year) highlights of the 2004 event included-
A DAY IN THE LIFE. Viking families overtake Barley Hall for the whole weekend and reveal just what everyday life was like for them
TENTH CENTURY TRADERS Viking traders set up stall in St. Saviour's Church
LONGSHIPS RIVER CHALLENGE Viking ships on the river Ouse
CLASH OF THE FORCES. The opposing armies clash for supremacy and honour. (The big battle)
CORONATION OF ERIK BLOODAXE an authentic ceremony and candle lit procession in York Minster surrounded by over 100 Vikings
View photos taken at the 2004 Jorvik Viking Festival
The photos above were taken at the 2004 festival.