Jorvik Viking Festival: Eight great photos of the Norsemen taking over York

The programme of events is based on the Norse tradition of Jolablot - a Viking celebration at the end of February which marked the coming of spring and the end of winter hardships. York Archaeological Trust revived the festival in the 1980s. The schedule now includes a Viking camp at Coppergate, a parade, a feast, spectacular battle finale and even a beard competition. 2019 is the first year that the festival has taken place over a fortnight to coincide with half-term holidays across the UK.