This year’s JORVIK Viking Festival, which takes place from February 20 to 27 in the historic city of York, brings Viking women to the fore, as the forgotten stories of Viking women, and the influence they wielded in Viking society, weave a thread through the festival programme.

Now in its 35th year, JORVIK Viking Festival is one of York’s largest events and is believed to be the largest Viking festival in Europe, if not the world. Organised by York Archaeological Trust, the event was attended by over 63,000 people in 2018, bringing in more than £6.6 million to the local economy.

York was under Viking rule for almost 100 years from the middle of the ninth century and every year in February a great celebration called ‘Jolabot’ took place, which heralded the coming of spring and the end of winter hardships. These celebrations were long forgotten until the 1980s when York Archaeological Trust revived this lost Norse tradition.

Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions for York Archaeological Trust, said: “For the last 35 years, the themes of JORVIK Viking Festival have enabled us to tell stories that encompass many different aspects of Viking history, from myths and legends to kings and warriors, and though women have taken key roles in many of the stories, this is the first time we’ve told all of the stories from a female perspective.”

Beth Dawes, Marketing Manager for JORVIK Viking Centre, added: “This year, the time is right to tell the story of the extraordinary women that wielded power and influence across the Viking world. We’ll highlight the sagas that told of seeresses, king-makers and shield maidens who changed the course of Viking history, and in our lecture programme, we’ll explore how recent archaeological discoveries have prompted a re-evaluation of the role of women in Viking society.”

Visitors to the festival can enjoy numerous Viking-themed events and activities during the week, including an impressive parade through the city centre, ‘Strongest Viking’ and ‘Best Beard’ competitions and a spectacular evening son-et-lumière display.

Specialists from all over the world will join this year’s JORVIK Viking Festival, including Danish artist Myrkur, who will deliver her incredible ‘Folkesange’ set of Norse inspired folk music and storytelling, expert ‘tekstilheksa’ (textile witch) Kristin Noreng-Fjellheim from Norway, who will run a Viking embroidery workshop, and Mari Wickerts of Gothenburg Museum, who will be teaching the art of Nalebinding (Norse knitting with one needle).

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, said: “York has a fascinating Viking history and this exciting festival brings to life the culture and stories of the Viking era. Following recent archaeological discoveries, this year’s festival will help to shine a new light on the important role of women in Viking society and, with lots of interesting events, activities and workshops for all ages, is well worth a visit.”

If you or your group would like to visit JORVIK Viking Festival, or the ancient Viking city of York, on a tailor-made tour of England or the UK, please do contact our friendly team.