The Jorvik Viking Festival is now Europe’s largest Norse-themed gathering, attracting large numbers of historical re-enactors and actors as well as visitors.
This year there was a parade, night-time battle spectacular in the grounds of York Castle, and Viking feast in the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall with authentic food from the period. A market of 10th-century traders also ran in the Hall – and there was a Best Beard competition for the men.
York – known as Jorvik – was an ancient capital of the Danish kings during their occupation of England.
York – known as Jorvik – was an ancient capital of the Danish kings during their occupation of England.
![Marching](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmExODZhZWQ3LThlMTYtNGJhMC1iNTkwLWFiYjcyY2FiNWQzNTo5NGZkODJkMy0zMWUwLTRkZGItODA3NC04NjA2MzIxODc1YmE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![The Vikings march through the city centre](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmVhZTc4NmVlLTFhZDQtNDdhNi1hNTdhLTYxY2U2Y2M3MTRmODo3MDExNzZmNi1mZDIxLTQ1ZWItYTk0Yy04OGI3OWIwNDc1YmM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![The Vikings march through the city centre](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmIzYjQ5OWM2LWYyN2EtNGQ3MC1iMzAwLTE1MmNhNDExODc1Nzo0ZTRjZTdjYy04NjUzLTRlMDAtYjM3MC02NDM2NDZkNmVlYTg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![Vikings gather](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmI2ZGFlYzUyLTI0ZWYtNDAwZi1iZmJhLTBkZmE1ZWQ5MzEyNDpjMjM5ZGEzNi0xZTZlLTQ2YzctYTMwMy1lMDZjMjE2Y2VmODE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
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