Since launching in 1984, the JORVIK Viking Festival has wowed countless visitors with a hearty mix of immersive combat reenactments, wonderful workshops and exciting events designed to open up the city’s rich Viking history to modern-day Yorkies. On the opening day of the 2026 festival, Your Local Link unearthed our armour and took to our trusty longboat, to see what’s in store this year…
As we pillaged our way around the Parliament Street encampment (where visitors can wonder at wares produced by craftspeople using historically accurate materials and techniques, and see a fearsome band of Viking warriors preparing for battle), we couldn’t help but notice a formidable figure guarding a tent, with an enormous axe in hand. Approaching the man with caution, we learned that this was Bjarni Thorvaldrson, (aka The Science Viking), a former science teacher and longtime festival participant, who explained: “For nearly 200 years, Jorvik was the capital city of a Viking kingdom, so it has a massive Viking heritage. Because of the soil conditions here, a lot of the archaeology has been really well-preserved, so we know a hell of a lot about Viking York.”
As the resident Viking weapons expert in the encampment, Bjarni was keen to give us the lowdown on his ferocious axe: “This is a Viking Dane axe, or long axe, or great axe. It is, without a doubt, the most devastating weapon of the Viking Age. These became a favourite weapon of the Anglo-Saxons, after being introduced to England by the Danes in the middle of the 10th century. The Bayeux Tapestry shows what’s been interpreted as an Anglo-Saxon warrior swinging his axe at a fully armoured Norman knight on horseback – the axe kills the horse, passes through the saddle, and kills the rider, with one swing! I call it ‘Death Singer’ because, as it strikes, it ‘sings’…” With a quick flick of the blade, Bjarni demonstrates the axe’s unique striking sound – an eerie, metallic, ringing chime. He also kindly introduced us to the large, stuffed boar resting next to his tent: “This is Sæhrímnir, the boar in Valhalla, who is slaughtered every night for the warrior’s feast, Einherjar; I’ve been told by a shaman that this is a very chilled out boar, because he’s got a whole week off from being slaughtered!”
After our chat with The Science Viking (in which we managed to maintain a safe distance from the Death Singer), we plundered our way through the encampment until we reached the Midgard Marquee, a Viking canopy at the bottom of Parliament Street. Here, we decided to try out the Berserker Bootcamp, an action-packed, family-friendly attraction that’s perfect for children aged 5-12. After a spot of weapons training, in which we were taught how to wield a Viking Longsword and slice through opponents on the battlefield with maximum efficiency (it’s harder than it looks!), it was time to take on the Berserker Bootcamp obstacle course, and put our newfound combat skills to the test by taking on suspended sandbags, which (luckily) did not fight back! We also got the chance to pick up some real Viking weaponry, try on a Viking helmet or two, and also take our hand to rowing a makeshift Viking longship. Despite being (just a little!) over the intended age range, we found this immersive experience great fun, and an excellent way to let off some steam!
This year’s JORVIK Viking Festival offers a tremendous programme of events to suit all ages, and is well worth a visit for anyone wishing to have fun, experience the city’s living, visible Viking heritage, and even swing a longsword while they’re at it; as The Science Viking said: “We’re here to educate and entertain!”
JORVIK Viking Festival 2026 runs until 22 February. Visit www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk to see what’s on and book your tickets!
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