York Viking Festival
Saturday 25th February 2006

Report & Photo's © Phil B

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Eight turned out for this trip to the York Viking Festival and although much was promised by the organisers it turned out to be something quite different.

Six of us met up at Bailey's Coffee Shop, as we did on our last visit here, and waited for the last two of the group to find their way to us. Having been before one must ask how on earth they ended up at the other side of the city!! They did eventually arrive however and we were able to start the day. We crossed over to the Museum Gardens where we hoped to find our first two attractions for the day - Training for Battle and the Viking Encampment.
Now the Training for Battle was quite entertaining as for all the world it looked like a mini battle was taking place. Right down to the 'dead' bodies. Now why the Vikings and Saxons should practice lying down on a muddy piece of grass and pretend to be dead just before going into battle mystifies me!! None-the-less they apparently did and one man especially stood out at being quite adept in his execution of this as, within 10 seconds of each 're-start', he was reclining gracefully with his shield over his body.

Our little Group then moved on to the 'encampment'. If we were expecting little tents or makeshift huts we were to be very dismayed. The encampment was housed inside the Hospitium probably so no-one could avoid the small fee. This however was a little detrimental as the place was packed and viewing of some of the lifestyles was limited. As we entered there was a storyteller surrounded by small children whilst a man was making clothes behind. This was quickly followed by a small kitchen with various foodstuffs of the time on display (although I don't think the Jelly Babies the re-enactor produced for one tourist were genuine Viking fare). Various forms of spinning and weaving followed and this led into a metal-working area. A young boy was explaining the various tools and weapons used and next to him was a man 'minting'coins with a die and a big hammer. This section was four deep in places and whilst you could just see what they were up to it was difficult to get a picture.
The next bit was the works of the local Viking Society which was a glorified shop really (at least that was my opinion). And so it was the outside beckoned as even more people filed in.





After everybody eventually got out, it was decided to go and look at the Viking Boats. Off we went along the riverbank to Lendal Bridge before heading down Coney Street to the Kings Staith. Upon arrival we were greeted by the sight of a couple of Longboats moored outside the Kings Arms public house wherein sat a dozen Vikings quaffing the local brew. I have no idea if it was Carlsberg so don't ask. As nothing much was happening we got a few quick pics and headed off for some lunch.

Just around the corner from the boats we found a little place called something along the lines of Old Orleans that catered in Cajun / Mexican type food and agreed to try it. Once inside we soon ordered our meals and beer and set about vandalising the tablecloths with typical kinds of graffiti - although the other table was a bit more reserved to start with, their tablecloth did have some marks on by the end!! Anyway the food and drink was soon polished off and it was once more into the outside chill to get to The Final Battle. But first we thought we'd try the boats again.

Upon arrival at the riverbank one was just about to push away manned with a group of people who had volunteered to do some rowing. Clearly the real Vikings were still quaffing. The ensuing drifting of the boat as some rowed one way whilst others went the other was mildly amusing, especially as they caused one of the many pleasure cruisers on the Ouse to veer towards the bank to avoid a collision. After this mirth we made our way to the Battle.

The Festival Battle was billed as "Local forces opposing the marriage of King Sihtric of Dublin to Edith, sister of Athelstan, rise up against the king's forces in bloody battle. Who will win the day? Witness the glitter of sword and spear in our afternoon battle."
Upon arrival at the eye of York it was plain to see that we should have arrived at about one hour earlier. The crowd was huge. A vantage point was sought out as best that could be mustered and we waited. First to appear were the Priests and Nuns at the head of the Procession followed by one of the forces. Then came the opposition forces who lined up directly opposite their foes. After a brief exchange of banter - the noise of the crowd chatting away drowned out any coherent storyline - the two forces went into battle. This seemed to be similar to the earlier Battle Drill but on a much larger scale. Even the deceased went down with much accomplishment - practice makes perfect! Before long it was all over and the opposing forces went their seperate ways - I still didn't catch the result but some poor blighter was publicly decapitated for his efforts.








As thirst had by now got the better of us the cries of 'Coffee!!' rang out amongst our number and we headed off to find a cafe or teashop for such a purpose. After trying around half a dozen - you'd die of thirst just getting to Starbucks - we found ourselves back whence we started at Bailey's. Cream Tea, large coffees and carrot cake were amongst the selections along with, curiously, apple crumble and custard. It wasn't long after this that goodbyes were said and we parted company.
All in all I'd say a good day was had - though don't always believe what it says on the label.

ps All Vikings supplied by REGIA ANGLORUM

There now follows just a few piccies of those who went on this trip.

	Humus chillin' at the start of the day		Chris leads the way to Training.

	The clean table waits for their food....		....whilst Dean gets down to doodling!

	Andrew AKA Arthur Smith		Humus, Sue, Chris, Andrew and Sniffy after the Battle.