JORVIK ‘thank you’ for residents at #CampaignCanute hots up

Free entry for local residents to JORVIK Group attractions on 21 & 22 May

Following overwhelming support from local residents following the floods of December 2015, the JORVIK Group of Attractions will be welcoming the people of York for a free weekend of visits to raise awareness of #CampaignCanute, the fundraising project to help reimagine the Viking city.

The JORVIK Group has five visitor attractions within the city, but with JORVIK Viking Centre itself out of action until Spring 2017, it will be opening the doors of its four other attractions – Barley Hall, DIG, Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar and Richard III Experience at Monk Bar – free of charge for York residents on the weekend of 21 and 22 May.  The weekend coincides with the opening of the new free ‘Jorvik: Life & Death’ exhibition at the Theatre Royal, whilst Viking crafting activities will create an additional Norse presence in the Coppergate Centre.

“We were overwhelmed with kind messages when JORVIK was flooded with many local people asking how they could get involved to support us, so this weekend will give them a chance to see our fantastic attractions, and enable us to share information about #CampaignCanute, our fundraising campaign,” comments director of attractions for York Archaeological Trust, Sarah Maltby.  “Our insurers have been very supportive in underwriting the cost of a life-for-like rebuild, and we’ve got new stories to tell and new archaeological discoveries to share, so we’re hoping to raise £500,000 from public donations and a further £1.5 million from grants to help us to reimagine Jorvik for a new generation.”

Admission will be free to all four attractions throughout the residents’ weekend, donations arewelcome. There is a small charge for some activities, with all proceeds going to #CampaignCanute.  Proof of identity and residence – for example, a driving licence, YorkCard or utility bill – must be shown to secure free entry.

For more information, please visit www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

ENDS

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

Pyper York Limited

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay@pyperyork.co.uk