JORVIK Viking Festival 2027

Sat 13 Feb 2027. 14:00–15:00. This year's Battle of York is a showdown for the ages! The Vikings are returning to York, but this time they'll face the fearsome Normans, in commemoration of the 1,000 anniversary of William the Conqueror. Step back to 1069 and join the invading army of the last Viking King, Sweyn II, as he attacks Norman York.  Watch as two armies clash in an epic struggle for control of the city, brought to life through thrilling combat and storytelling. Who will emerge victorious? Who will be sent home packing? See history unfold before your eyes – or perhaps an alternative version of it! Whose side are you on? If you have accessibility needs, please use the accessible area option to book.

Sat 13 Feb 2027. 11:00–12:00. The Eye of York once again plays host to the Viking Games! Two teams of Vikings go head-to-head to settle the age-old question: who's the best? They'll be on their best behaviour as they compete in feats of strength, agility, boasting and wisdom. But who will rise victorious? Well, if they haven't settled things after 30 minutes, there's only one way to find out. Get the armies on the field and have a good old fight! The Viking Games are always a highlight of the Festival calendar, so don't miss your chance to cheer for your favourite team! If you have accessibility needs, please use the accessible area option to book.

Wed 10 Feb 2027. 19:00–23:00. It wouldn't be the JORVIK Viking Festival without a Feast! Travel back to AD 1069, the city has just been taken by Sweyn II of Denmark who has joined the northern earls in their rebellion against the Norman ruler, William the Conqueror. Take your place at a banquet fit for a King! Dine with the victors as they celebrate their capture of the city with tales of battle, songs, fights and plenty of table banging.  Join us for an immersive evening of feasting and entertainment from the brilliant Jorvik Immersive Theatre. Enjoy a welcome mead, soak up the atmosphere and feel free to dress as a Viking yourself! Just leave any weapons at home (our Norse health and safety rules are strict)! And for the first time, celebrate in style by joining our King and Skalds at the top table with our exclusive King's Table ticket. Don't miss your chance to join the festivities. Please book your tickets by 15th January to give our Festival team time to finalise arrangements with the caterers. Please note: This event is for adults aged 18 and over. MENU First remove Chunky vegetable broth wild sea salt and rosemary trencher Second remove: the feast Guests tables invited to choose from a feast of: Whole roast chicken stuffed with sage Slow roast Pork with apples & cracking Hunter’s Game Pie; venison, rabbit and pigeon Vegetarian to order: spiced lentil and chickpea patties with coriander, caraway and spiced tomato and fennel sauce Sour cream and Lingonberry sauce, Roasted root vegetables Third remove Lemon, orange and cinnamon cake with winter berries

Sat 13 Feb 2027. 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00. Every Viking remembers their first battle. Now it's your little warrior's turn! In the Kids Barbaric Battle, up to 150 young fighters will enter the arena at the Museum Gardens to show off their skills and prove themselves worthy of Valhalla (and we're pretty sure they all are!). Don't worry, we've brought Norse health and safety standards into the 21st century, so your little warriors can join the action with safety in mind. Will they emerge victorious? There's only one way to find out! Adults do not need to purchase tickets for this event. One ticket is required per child.

Mon 8 Feb 2027. 18:00–19:00 & 19:30–20:30. Eoforwic has fallen. Today is the day which will impact this city for the rest of time. We may not be here for long, but our legacy will stand. Step into the aftermath of Eoforwic's fall to the Great Viking Army and witness its rebirth as Jorvik. This immersive play embraces Norse mythology, celebrates the fantastical and brings the Viking world to life through larger-than-life storytelling. Follow Ubbe Rangrnason, still soaked in the blood of battle, as he arrives at a great banquet held in his honour. But in this mysterious throne room, not all is as it seems… Jorvik is a story of loss, glory, family and celebrating life while we can. Expect larger-than-life characters, songs, fights and plenty of table banging! Join us for an unforgettable adventure at the incredible Barley Hall. Will you help us find Valhalla? Please note: This event is for adults aged 18 and over.

Thu 11 Feb & Fri 12 Feb. 19:00–20:15. Back by popular demand, join us at St. Helen’s Church for a captivating retelling of the classic legend Beowulf, performed by Peter Carrington-Porter. Follow the heroic Scandinavian warrior as he offers his services to King Hrothgar of the Danes to help defeat the fearsome monster called Grendal. Whether you’re discovering the tale for the first time or revisiting a favourite, experiencing it in the candle-lit surroundings of St. Helen’s Church will be unforgettable—and is sure to get your heart pounding!

Sat 13 Feb 2027. 19:00–22:00. Say Far vel, or farewell, to JORVIK Viking Festival 2027 with an evening of raucous fun and fantastic music from Danish band Ramashang! For two decades, Ramashang have been bringing Viking and medieval traditions to life through lively, good-humoured performances. Blending Nordic history with traditional European street music, they combine instruments such as bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, shawms and drums with theatrical antics and plenty of energy.

Wed 10 Feb 2027. 19:00–21:00. Discover your new favourite drink! If there's one thing we associate with the Vikings (other than a good fight), it's mead! Join the award-winning Lancashire Mead Company for a history lesson on this honey-based drink, enjoyed from the Viking Age and throughout the Middle Ages to the present day. Uncover the cultural and historical significance of mead before sampling a variety of delicious meads, paired with tasty nibbles. All while soaking up the atmosphere of the stunning Great Hall at Barley Hall! Skål!

Fri 12 Feb 2027. 19:00–21:00. Mead cocktails and Viking sagas? Now that's a combination worthy of the gods! Step into the Great Hall at Barley Hall for an evening of delicious drinks, Norse mythology and memorable storytelling. You may know a Mojito or an Old Fashioned, but have you ever tried a mead cocktail? Settle in as a talented skald brings tales of gods, heroes and fearsome monsters to life, with each cocktail inspired by the world of Viking sagas. It's a little like dinner and a show, with a distinctly Viking twist! Whether you're a seasoned mead enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this is your chance to discover a different side to one of the world's oldest drinks while soaking up the atmosphere of Barley Hall's stunning Great Hall. Just remember: if the mead makes you too merry, you might find yourself becoming part of the story! Raise your glass, drink and be merry. Skål! This event is kindly supported by Horns of Odin. Please note: This event is for adults aged 18 and over.

Sat 13 Feb 2027. 14:00–15:00. If you have accessibility requirements, please use this accessible area option to book the Battle for York. This year's Battle of York is a showdown for the ages! The Vikings are returning to York, but this time they'll face the fearsome Normans, in commemoration of the 1,000 anniversary of William the Conqueror. Step back to 1069 and join the invading army of the last Viking King, Sweyn II, as he attacks Norman York.  Watch as two armies clash in an epic struggle for control of the city, brought to life through thrilling combat and storytelling. Who will emerge victorious? Who will be sent home packing? See history unfold before your eyes – or perhaps an alternative version of it! Whose side are you on?

Sat 13 Feb 2027 11:00–12:00. If you have accessibility needs, please use this accessible area option to book the Viking Games. The Eye of York once again plays host to the Viking Games! Two teams of Vikings go head-to-head to settle the age-old question: who's the best? They'll be on their best behaviour as they compete in feats of strength, agility, boasting and wisdom. But who will rise victorious? Well, if they haven't settled things after 30 minutes, there's only one way to find out. Get the armies on the field and have a good old fight! The Viking Games are always a highlight of the Festival calendar, so don't miss your chance to cheer for your favourite team!

Fri 12 Feb 2027. 10:30–12:00 & 12:00–13:30. Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons but didn't know where to start? Ever wondered what those strange dice are all about? Well, the gods (dice or Norse, we're not quite sure) are clearly smiling on you! Bring your sense of adventure to JORVIK Viking Festival as It's Your Role brings its signature madcap style to York. Join them for these family-friendly, beginner-friendly D&D sessions in the heart of the city. Choose a character and dive straight into a Norse-themed adventure, hosted by professional Dungeon Masters fresh from performing Off-West End in London and at World's Lair alongside Oxventure and Dark Dice. Will this finally be your chance to roll the dice and get a Natural 20?

Thu, 11 Feb 2027. 20:00–21:30. Answer the call to adventure with It’s Your Role, a madcap Dungeons & Dragons experience coming to JORVIK Viking Festival! Fresh from performing Off-West End in London and at World's Lair alongside Oxventure and Dark Dice, this riotous night of improv and fantasy comes with a twist: one lucky audience member will be cast into the adventuring party live on stage! “A must-see for D&D fans.” — A Youngish Perspective Name NPCs (Non-Player Characters), sound magical instruments and help bring this unpredictable Viking themed adventure to life! Will you answer the call and become the hero the dice gods favour? This is an adults-only session, but we also have a family-friendly session available if you’d like to bring the younger adventurers along! Please note: This event is for adults aged 18 and over.

Thu, 11 Feb 2027. 17:00–18:30. Answer the call to adventure with It’s Your Role, a madcap Dungeons & Dragons experience coming to JORVIK Viking Festival! Fresh from performing Off-West End in London and at World's Lair alongside Oxventure and Dark Dice, this riotous night of improv and fantasy comes with a twist: one lucky audience member will be cast into the adventuring party live on stage! “A must-see for D&D fans.” — A Youngish Perspective Name NPCs (Non-Player Characters), sound magical instruments and help bring this unpredictable Viking themed adventure to life! Will you answer the call and become the hero the dice gods favour? This is a family-friendly session. We also have an Adults Only session available if you'd prefer an evening of D&D just for grown-ups.

Wed, 10 Feb 2027 13:30–15:00. Calling all avid young readers, aspiring writers and budding artists! To celebrate the release of Pablo & Splash: Viking Voyage, Sheena Dempsey joins us as our featured children's author for the JORVIK Viking Festival 2027. Discover what it’s like to write stories for a living, see how the loveable penguin duo is brought to life on the page, and explore the inspiration for their adventures through time.  You’ll also have the chance to ask your own questions, purchase Pablo & Splash titles, and get them signed. Pre-booking is essential. Recommended for ages 6–11. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Wed 10, Thur 11 & Fri 12 Feb. 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00. Have you ever wondered how artefacts from archaeological excavations are cared for? Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of York Archaeology's conservation laboratory. See a selection of artefacts the team is working on as they explain the treatments used to care for them. You'll also have the chance to try out some of the lab equipment and see conservation in action as the team works on objects in their care. Discover the work that happens behind the scenes once an archaeological excavation is over, and find out what artefacts can tell us about the past. Every object has a story to tell, but what will you discover?

Sat, 13 Feb 2027. 10:30–13:30 & 13:30–16:30. Knives were essential tools in everyday Viking life, used for everything from preparing food to carrying out daily tasks. Now's your chance to try this traditional craft for yourself at our Knife Forging Workshops! Join the skilled craftspeople from SylvanKin at our encampment on Parliament Street and discover the art of knife forging. With just four places available per session, these small-group workshops offer a rare chance to get hands-on with a traditional craft. These sessions are for adults only, sorry, no little Vikings allowed! If your younger warriors are keen to get crafting, check out our Kids' Crafting events at Barley Hall. Will you be a cut above the rest? Activity information: Please be aware that participants must be able to stand for the duration. Practical footwear and appropriate clothing are required for this workshop, and long hair must be tied back.

Thu, 11 Feb 2027. 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00. Have you ever wondered how the Vikings made their beautifully patterned bands and belts? Discover the craft of tablet weaving at our hands-on workshop and learn how to create your own woven piece to take home! Using special cards or tablets to weave the threads together, you'll discover how this traditional craft works and perhaps even find a new hobby along the way. These beginner-friendly sessions are designed for adults, so no previous experience is needed. Materials and refreshments are provided. Spaces are limited, and sessions can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Tue 9 Feb & Wed 10 Feb. 10:00–13:00 & 4:00–17:00. Ready to sew like a Viking? Join us for our Embroidery Workshop and discover the art of embroidery! Whether you're picking up a needle for the first time or looking to try something new, there's a chance to learn a new skill along the way. Will you master the stem stitch, laid stitch & couching stitch?? What will you create? These beginner-friendly sessions are designed for adults, so no previous experience is needed. Spaces are limited, and sessions can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Mon, 8 Feb 2027. 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00. Discover how to leatherwork like a Viking! Join the skilled craftspeople from SylvanKin for our hands-on Leatherworking Workshop. Using traditional tools, you'll craft your very own leather bracer, fit for a Jarl! Perhaps you'll even discover you have a knack for it. These beginner-friendly sessions are designed for adults, so no previous leatherworking experience is needed. Spaces are limited, and sessions can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Fri, 12 Feb 2027. 10:00–17:00. Ever dreamed of wielding a Viking bow? Now's your chance to make one! Become a bowyer for a day with our Flatbow Making workshop. Led by the skilled craftsmen of SylvanKin, you'll craft, tiller (measuring and balancing the bow) and string your very own traditional flatbow in the shadow of St Saviour's Church in the DIG garden. Designed for adults, these beginner-friendly sessions offer a hands-on glimpse into the craft of bow-making. No previous experience is needed, so you can give it a go even if you've never made a bow before. Spaces are limited and sessions can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Thu, 11 Feb 2027. 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00. Wood carve like a Viking! Join the skilled craftsmen of SylvanKin for our hands-on Spoon Making Workshops and carve your very own wooden spoon. It's a chance to try a traditional craft and create something that's both useful and a lovely reminder of your Viking adventure. These beginner-friendly sessions are designed for adults, so no previous woodcarving experience is needed. Spaces are limited and sessions can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Wed, 10 Feb 2027. 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00. Ever wanted to create a piece of pottery worthy of a Viking hoard? Join our hands-on Viking Pottery Workshops and make your own unique piece to take home! You'll use traditional hand-building techniques to shape your pottery by hand, rather than using a pottery wheel. It's a chance to try a traditional craft and discover more about everyday Viking life. These beginner-friendly sessions are designed for adults. Spaces are limited and sessions can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Mon, 8 Feb until Sat, 13 Feb. 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00. Back by popular demand, our Blacksmithing Workshops return to the JORVIK Viking Encampment!  Ever wondered how Vikings made their tools? Join the skilled craftsmen of SylvanKin and get hands-on at the forge as you create your very own Viking utensil. Last year's workshops sold out, so don't wait to book! Each session has just six places, making these exclusive workshops a chance to try a traditional craft for yourself. These sessions are designed for adults only, sorry, no little Vikings allowed! If your younger ones are keen to get crafting, check out our Kids' Crafting events at Barley Hall. Can you stand the heat of the forge? Activity information: Please be aware that participants must be able to stand for the duration. Practical footwear and appropriate clothing are required for this workshop, and long hair must be tied back.

Tue, 9 Feb 2027. 10:00–18:00. Nalbinding is the ancient craft of making flat or three-dimensional textiles from loops of yarn. It predates knitting and crochet and has its origins in prehistory, was popular in Early Medieval and Viking societies and remains a living tradition as well as a heritage craft. During the day participants will explore the history and archaeology, and learn at least five different loop manipulated stitches in this deep dive into an ancient technique that is found worldwide. We begin with a short overview to the different main stitch groups found globally and explore how the technique develops out of cordage, with experiments into cord-as-you-go methods, before moving on to woollen yarn as we explore simple looping, looping-around-a-core, Coptic stitch, York stitch and finally Oslo stitch. We will investigate round starts as well as chain based structures, discuss shaping techniques, and create a sampler piece with plenty of time to begin a second item as the day progresses. All materials supplied. 16+ Only. Sally Pointer is an archaeologist, heritage educator and the author. A copy of her book Nalbinding – It's Not Knitting: Heritage techniques for the contemporary textile crafter (2026, Herbert Press) is included with your ticket.

Mon, 8 Feb 2027. 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00. Learn how to knit like a Viking at our hands-on Nalbinding sessions! Discover this endangered craft, which uses a single needle to create fabric, and get hands-on experience with a traditional Norse technique. Designed for adults, these beginner-friendly sessions offer a unique glimpse into Viking craftsmanship. You may even get the chance to create your own Viking hat or socks! Spaces are limited, and these sessions can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.