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The Vikings return to York

The Vikings have returned to York and set up camp like they did over 1,000 years ago! Visitors to the city will be able to take part in a host of activities at the festival which ends on February 22nd.

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Thousands head to York Viking festival

Thousands of thrillseekers and history lovers have visited York today for the annual Jorvik Viking festival. It has been going since 1984 and this year the theme is new beginnings. Adam Fowler reports.

Do you know what animals Vikings used to keep?

Have you ever wondered what animals the Vikings used to keep? If so, York is the place to be this weeked as their annual Viking Festival gets underway.

Viking farming in York Credit: ITV Yorkshire

This year, as well as lots of other attractions, visitors will be able to look round the 'urban farm' complete with sheep pigs, a pony, a calf and poultry. There will also be experts on hand to talk about Viking farming tehniques.

The event , which is recognised as the largest Viking Festival in Europe, runs until February 22nd.

"The Coppergate dig of the late 1970s revealed some of the tenements occupied by the Norse settlers, but that is just one street of many in the city - much of the city centre that we know today would have been occupied or used for farming to sustain this community, so it is fantastic that we're able to bring some of the livestock back to the heart of the York for this year's Festival."

– DANIELLE DAGLAN, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

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The Vikings return to York

The 31st Jorvik Viking festival gets underway today.

One of the visitors to the festival trying on some Viking armour

Visitors at this year's event are being given the chance to see more of how the Vikings lived 1000 years ago with a new central encampament, featuring a Viking longship which has been kitted out for war and learn about life at sea and on dry land.

As well as a host of family based activities, there is a story telling tent where history lovers can hear sagas from Norse myths and legends and have a go at fun games of the period.

"Many people assume that Viking Jorvik was just a small village or settlement, but in fact, in the 10th and 11th centuries, Jorvik was a thriving metropolis of thousands of souls."

– Danielle Daglan, Festival director
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