Thursday 19 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.
Crafts from the Past 10:30 – 16:00
Festival Marquee, FREE entry to marquee, small charge for craft activities.
A chance to try your hand at a variety of Viking-era crafts; become a willow-worker or a musician, then have your fortune told by a Viking rune-reader! Design a Viking coin to enter JORVIK's 25th anniversary competition. Have a go at making your very own Mr Swede Head in our 3rd annual vegetable crafting competition!
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.
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.
The Queen's Poison, with Rosalind Kerven, 14:00.
Festival Marquee, FREE entry to marquee, Join children's author Rosalind Kerven for the launch of her brand new Viking adventure, the sequel to Grim Gruesome: Viking Villain, a huge hit at last year's Festival! Suitable for ages 7 – 12.
JORVIK: Behind-the-Scenes Special! 17:30
JORVIK, Coppergate, £10 adult, £8.50 conc.
Your opportunity to accompany Dr Andrew Jones of York Archaeological Trust on a behind-the-scenes visit to JORVIK. Pre-booking: 01904 615505.
Viking Festival Walk 19:00
Depart Coppergate Square, £4 adult, £3 conc.
Join our Viking tour guide and storyteller on a fascinating walk through the streets of York.
Pre-booking: 01904 615505.
Andvari's Gold - The Tales That Tolkien Took, 19:30
Dean Court Hotel, Duncombe Place. £15 including main course supper platter.
DARK tales of dragons’ hoards, cursed gold rings and broken hearts will be re-lived when York storyteller, Adrian Spendlow, brings his own lively style to the re-telling of the legend of Andvari, the corrupted Norse creature who Adrian tells us may well have inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Pre-booking only on 01904 625082 or sales@deancourt-york.co.uk
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.