The Vikings are in town...

"The year is 1069. The kingdom of England is in the grip of new Norman masters. Their castles rise up all over the countryside, dominating the landscape. The Viking menace from the north is just a distant memory. Or is it...? The disempowered Anglo-Saxon earls of the north have few friends to help them against their hated Norman overlords. But help is at hand from an unexpected quarter. King Sweyn of Denmark has followed in the footsteps of his Viking ancestors, landing in the Humber estuary and promising aid for Edgar Atheling, the teenage heir to the stolen crown of England. Sweyn, Edgar and their allies advance on York, determined to destroy the Norman castle and to wrest control of the city from William the Conqueror. The reconquest of York will open the way for the northern earls to battle their way south and perhaps to oust William entirely. But will Sweyn be true to his word? After all, what is the promise of a Viking worth..?"

From today until the 22nd February, it is possible to witness a truly international celebration of York's heritage, as Vikings from all over the world descend on the city for the JORVIK Viking Festival. Visitors will be able to witness the Vikings fight in ferocious and bloody battles, trade and commemorate their shared heritage. With over one hundred specially organised arts, music, drama and action events taking place over five spectacular days. The city is also treated to a range of public events including lectures, arts & crafts, encampments, river events, saga-telling, and full-scale battle re-enactments. It is an event for everubody. children and adults, history lovers and arts&craft fans. The only problem is that there are far too many people around for a relatively small place like York and if the weather is as gloomy and damp as it was today it can become a bit crowded. But it's worth watching even just an hour of the show around!