Viking wedding becomes engagement party for York couple

The Viking Wedding Feast at the JORVIK Viking Festival was a happy occasion for not one but two couples this evening, when a York man took advantage of the Valentine's Day celebration to propose.

Having won a Viking trial of strength, Jonathan Alderson dropped down on one knee and produced a ring to propose to girlfriend, Samantha Simpson, to rapturous cheers from their fellow wedding guests.

"Weddings are always emotional occasions, but Jonathan had tipped us off about his intentions, so we were able to weave him into the evening's entertainment so that the proposal remained a complete surprise," comments Festival Director, Danielle Daglan. "That will certainly be one moment in their lives that Jonathan and Samantha will never forget, and who knows, they may well enjoy a Viking wedding of their own!"

The Viking wedding feast, held at York's Merchant Taylors' Hall, marked the end of the first day of the nine day Festival - the largest Viking festival in Europe - which runs until 22 February.  Events take place each day, culminating in the grand finale on the evening of Saturday 21 February, when over 200 warriors will do battle on the Eye of York in a firey, costume and pyrotechnic- filled extravaganza representing the Norse myth of the first battle of the Gods.

For more information or tickets (limited tickets for the finale are still available) please visit www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins

Tel: 01904 500698

Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk