Sell-out success as Vikings return to Ulleskelf

A Viking ‘‘invasion’’ brought visitors from beyond Yorkshire to Ulleskelf near York for a first festival in honour of the village’s original settlers.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Jun 2019, 11:30 BST

Seventy re-enactors in full costume took part in Viking Festival which proved to be a sell-out event attended by more than 500 visitors.

A march through the streets was followed by a Viking skirmish and a tug of war contest. Birds of prey were displayed and live music provided an evening of entertainment before a ceremonial burning of a Viking boat at around 10pm on Saturday.

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Its popularity exceeded all expectations, attracting people from as far afield as Cheshire and raising at least £1,000 for community causes, said Mark Whitton, treasurer of organisers, Ulleskelf Sports and Social Club.

The first Viking Festival held at Ulleskelf, near Tadcaster, with entertainment from Jorfor's Hall Viking reenactment group.The first Viking Festival held at Ulleskelf, near Tadcaster, with entertainment from Jorfor's Hall Viking reenactment group.
The first Viking Festival held at Ulleskelf, near Tadcaster, with entertainment from Jorfor's Hall Viking reenactment group.

He said: “The village has been around for about 1,000 years and was founded in the Viking period, so we wanted to do something that celebrated the village’s heritage.

“I’m shocked by how many people turned up. The idea of Vikings sailing up the Wharfe and potentially having set up an encampment here, which then became a village, seemed to really pique people’s interest.”

Related topics:VikingsYorkshireYorkWharfe