Friday 20th February
Continental Market 09:00 - 17:00
Parliament Street, ( St Sampson's Square end) FREE.
A taste of the continent in York city centre. Foods, flavours and crafts from across Europe.
Kids' Have-a-go Sword Combat. 10:00 – 10:40 & 13:00 – 13:40
Festival Marquee, St Sampson's Square, £3.
A chance for kids to get a taste for sword fighting, just like in the movies! Suitable for ages 7 – 11. Pre-booking: 01904 615505.
Coppergate at Sea! 10:30 – 16:00 (every day)
Coppergate Square, small charge for some activities.
The Festival fleet has landed in Coppergate Square! Meet its commander and hear him recite ancient poems. Experience a variety of activities that explore Viking life on water and on dry land.
Warriors from the Ancient World. 11:00 – 13:00 & 14:00 – 16:00
Festival Marquee, St Sampson's Square. Prices for a half-day session: £3 adult, £2 conc.
See warriors from different time periods and from all over the world, including Samurai (with Taiko drummers) and Mongol warriors! Pre-booking: 01904 615505.
Living History 11:00 – 16:00 (every day)
The Guildhall, £2 adult, £1 conc.
Join the Vikings in an historic setting as they demonstrate Viking life skills.
Activities for Early Years 11:00 - 16:00 (every day)
DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, normal DIG admission prices apply.
Families with under 5s are welcome to come and join in the Viking-themed fun!
Hungate Tours. 11:00 – 15:00. Tours depart on the hour.
Meet at DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, £1.
Visit York's largest archaeological excavation for 25 years. Pre-booking: 01904 615505.
Asterix and the Vikings 11:30
City Screen, Coney street £4 adult, £3 conc.
Come along to this special screening and be in with a chance to win Asterix goodies to take home with you!
Pre-booking: 0871 704 2054
Friday 20th February,
The Spendlow’s York Talk 14:00
Marriot Room, Central Library, Museum street. £2 (admission price refunded with any Spendlow’s York purchase)
Adrian advises us to, ‘Sail your way over here and settle in this vibrant city to celebrate our rich heritage like all adventurers before you.’
This presentation will feature aspects from all the recordings and publications in particular the new edition of Jorvik and the Vikings and research from their Kirklevington Stones project which covers navigation techniques and the influence of belief systems on cultural life, accompanied by a sound and images show from researcher, writer and technician Gramey Smith.
Enquires to the team are welcome on 01904 789950 or via adrian_spendlow@btinternet.com or you may wish to just turn up on the day.
Beowulf with master storyteller Hugh Lupton and musician Rick Wilson. 20:00
National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate. £9.50 adult, £7.50 conc.
Thrill to this acclaimed and atmospheric retelling of the oldest story in the English language: the battles of the hero Beowulf against a succession of terrifying foes! Suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. Pre-booking: 01904 615505.
Saga and Song Night 20:00
Barley Hall, off Coffee Yard, £25.SOLD OUT
Meet your host, the Jarl of Jorvik, and enjoy Scandinavian food and drink, all to the authentic sound of medieval music. Pre-booking: 01904 615505.
The Original Ghost Walk of York 20:00 (every day)
From the King's Arms pub, Ousegate bridge, £4 adult, £3 conc. (NUS / OAP), £2.50 child.
Discover the magic of ancient and Viking York through the real art of storytelling, with a Viking flavour throughout the Festival. Explore all the latest sightings and strange occurrences as you experience the best of haunted York. Enquiries: 01759 373090. An Original Ghost Walk of York event.
Hammer Double Bill! The Viking Queen (PG)/ Blood from the Mummy's Tomb (15), with Hammer historian Marcus Hearn. Screenings start at 20:30 and 22:30 respectively. City Screen, Coney street. £5 adult, £4 conc (per film). See both films for £8 adult, £6 conc!
Romans, druids and a beautiful Viking warrior woman all clash in The Viking Queen! Next, the gruesome consequences of meddling in archaeology come to horrifying life in Blood from the Mummy's Tomb. Come dressed as a Roman, druid, Viking or mummy for a £1 discount on your ticket and to be in with a chance of winning a special prize! (not applicable if pre-booking your ticket)
Pre-booking: 0871 704 2054