Viking-Age Invention Brought Into The Limelight at JORVIK

Visitors to York’s JORVIK Viking Centre are in for a treat during Illuminating York this year as the centre plays hosts to some special Viking innovations.

When you think of the Vikings the image of marauding warriors sacking churches and burning villages can come to mind. However, the Vikings were also responsible for some of the most important discoveries in the Dark Ages and these stories are being shared by the Vikings’ of today’s JORVIK through sagas, songs and special projections.

“The Vikings were explorers first and foremost, and many of their inventions and innovations have influenced many of the products we still use today. So this year’s Illuminating York theme is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the Vikings’ skill for innovation and invention,” says Danielle Daglan, head of festivals and events at The JORVIK Group of Attractions.

As well as the chance to learn about Viking innovations and see rare finds not normally on display, visitors also traverse the recreation of the ancient city of Jorvik through the ride experience at the centre.

Bringing the innovation experience up to date, visitors will also be encouraged to explore the ‘Coppergate Alive!’ app boards, located around Coppergate Square. Installed as part of the centre’s JORVIK30 celebrations in the summer, each of the 12 boards has a QR code of NPR tag link that showcase an archaeological find found in Coppergate during the famous dig on the site.   

“JORVIK Viking Centre has always used cutting edge technology to bring the stories of the past alive, from our first ride experience with animatronics in 1984 to the new Coppergate Alive! app in 2014.”

‘Viking-Age Invention at JORVIK’ continues throughout Illuminating York until 1st November, 6pm to 9pm with last admissions at 8pm. Normal admission rates do apply but those with a ticket to the main Illuminating York projection will receive a 25% discount. For more information visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/events/category/illuminating-york.

ENDS

The JORVIK Group is is owned by York Archaeological Trust, a registered Charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (SCO42846) and is made up of five York city centre attractions:

The JORVIK Viking Centre, which has celebrated 30 years in 2014

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Barley Hall – a medieval townhouse in the centre of York

Richard III and Henry VII Experiences on York’s city walls

More information can be found at www.thejorvikgroup.com/press.

For more information on Illuminating York 2014 visit www.illuminatingyork.org.uk

Media Contact:

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

Pyper York Limited

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay@pyperyork.co.uk