Vikings invade York again
On 21st February 2004, Erik Bloodaxe, Viking warrior from across the sea, will be crowned King of York in the Minster itself. Yes, really.
The mock coronation will be a fully costumed extravaganza marking the culmination of the weeklong Viking Festival. The coronation theme runs throughout the entire week, with a whole series of events that combine the celebration of a new king, with the bloodthirsty measures required to reign in Viking Britain. Events will be taking place all over York from the 13th to 22nd February. The city will swell with tourists eager to discover York’s Norse heritage, with tours of Viking York, as well as the chance to handle real thousand-year-old artefacts. The events will also bring history alive with opportunities to ‘meet’ Viking settlers and discover what life was like in Viking York.
The Festival is organised by the York Archaeological Trust, a registered charity who also run the renowned Jorvik Viking Centre and the ARC (Archaeological Research Centre). The Trust seeks to preserve and promote the archaeological heritage of York as well as sharing its findings with the public. As Jeannette Bollen from the York Archaeology Trust told me, “historical integrity and education are extremely important.” So whilst the emphasis of the week is obviously going to be entertainment, all the historical elements will be accurate.
The various events throughout the week combine children-oriented activities with the academic, and some intriguing ‘adults only’ events. “We aim to fill York with visitors interested in our events, for the benefit of the city as a whole”, Bollen continued. There is no doubt that it is events like this one that keep York at the centre of Britain’s tourist trade. In 2002, 4 million people visited York, spending £293 million. Although the tourist trade was disappointing in 2003, with figures dropping nationally due to the war in Iraq, now it is events like this Festival that will bring visitors back to York in 2004.
The aim is to “create a festival atmosphere for all visitors throughout the week” and this is where the coronation of Erik Bloodaxe is important. The idea is that Viking settlers are flocking to York to celebrate (so don’t be surprised to see fully costumed Vikings strolling through Parliament Square). The influx of jubilant Scandinavians bring with them various arts and crafts and wares for sale, and they are quite happy for us, the public, to get involved. A Viking Market will be taking place at Barley Hall, Coffee Yard, off Stonegate, between 10am and 4pm throughout the week, and on the 20th-22nd February a continental market brings European produce to Parliament square. Another opportunity to meet tunic-clad celebrants is on both 14th and 15th February at the ARC on St Saviourgate between 11am and 4pm.
It is through archaeology that we know how the Vikings looked and lived so the Festival also contains events that explain archaeological processes. ‘Discover Vikings’ will run from Monday to Friday at the ARC between 10am and 3pm and will allow a hands-on study of Viking artefacts. The festival will show how much the Vikings shaped York into the city that we know today. It is still possible to see Viking influences in the architectural structure of York as the ‘Viking Snickleway Walk’ on Wednesday 18th February will show.
In the latter half of the week, the atmosphere will change along with the Viking story. Earl Oswulf of Bamburgh is loyal to the West-Saxon King whom Erik is trying to surpass, and will stop at nothing to defeat Erik before the coronation. This is where the atmosphere will really liven up, and there should be a dramatic increase of angry Viking men wandering around the city. On Saturday 21st February Oswulf and Erik will clash on the Ouse to decide who will be king once and for all. Those Scandinavians don’t seem so friendly now.
On Saturday evening the coronation will be the finale to the festival. It will include a candlelit procession and ceremony with over 100 Vikings present. The jubilant atmosphere returns to all the Scandinavians not lost in battle, although booking is advised or you might miss out on all the fun.
Even if all this Viking milarky isn’t really your kind of thing, there is no avoiding the fact that York has a strong Viking heritage and this is partly what makes it such an interesting city. Events like this one attract people to York and allow the city to thrive, economically and culturally. It also gives it character – where else could you expect to see Vikings wandering through a shopping centre on a Monday morning? Overall, I think it is events like this festival that make me love living in York, and I think the week should be really enjoyable, whether you are interested in history or not.
What sort of Viking are you?Answer the following questions to discover your Viking personality type and find the Festival event specifically geared to you… When engaged in bloody battle, what is your weapon of choice? Your perfect valentine would be… Your most important possession is… Mostly ‘A’? You’re a Viking Warrior Mostly ‘B’? You’re a Viking Valentine Mostly ‘C’? You’re a Viking Thespian Mostly ‘D’? You’re a Viking Millionaire Want to know more? WIN! WIN! WIN! |
Loading ...