Myths and legends in store for 30th JORVIK Viking Festival
15-23 February 2014
The Norse gods themselves would be proud of the programme in store for visitors to the JORVIK Viking Festival, running from 15 – 23 February 2014, which explores Norse myths and legends to celebrate the 30thyear of York’s Viking takeover.
Incorporating the two weekends of the school half-term break, the JORVIK Group of Attractions has organised Viking themed events throughout the city, with Coppergate – the home of the JORVIK Viking Centre – and the Eye of York providing a focus for living history, combat skills and, on Saturday 22 February, the ultimate event for any celebrations of Norse mythology – Ragnarok, the live battle spectacular, complete with nearly 300 Viking warriors, a host of Norse gods, and fireworks set to a contemporary musical score, which tells the story of the fall of the gods.
Throughout the week, JORVIK’s warriors will be training children in combat skills – essential for the oncoming apocalypse! - at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. York Guildhall also hosts a number of combat events, including a full week of performances in a Myths & Legends Combat Arena, each day recreating a different saga with readings, dramatic reconstructions and a host of fighting to create a spell-binding storytelling experience.
Other highlights include JORVIK Alive! on Tuesday 18 February – a unique experience when the state-of-the art animatronic characters which populate JORVIK Viking Centre’s recreation of the tenth century Viking city will be joined by live actors to truly bring history to life!
Those who like their Vikings on the big screen can enjoy special showings of movies including the two superhero “Thor” films at York CityScreen, whilst some of the country’s top academics will be presenting lectures and talks about many different aspects of Viking life uncovered beneath the ground around York.
“We’ve pulled out all the stops this year to make the 30thanniversary JORVIK Viking Festival bigger and better than ever before, with something to appeal to people of all ages and interests – from Norse nålebinding (knitting) to the ultimate Viking banquet in St William’s College, mini-musical workshops for children to our annual ‘Strongest Viking’ competition, all rounded off with the most spectacular recreation of Ragnarok in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower,” comments festival director, Danielle Daglan. “If you are in the city during half term, you’ll find it hard to get around without happening across some kind of Viking themed activities!”
The full programme for the 2014 JORVIK Viking Festival is available online at www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk with tickets for events available to purchase. You can also follow the Festival on Twitter @jorvikviking or by searching for #ragnarok2014
ENDS
The JORVIK group of attractions are operated by York Archaeological Trust, and include JORVIK Viking Centre, Micklegate Bar, Barley Hall and DIG.
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – Pyper York Limited
Tel: 01904 500698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
