If your stuck for a family day out during the February half term break, why not visit the Annual Jorvik Viking Festival in York?
To be honest I have scanned through the itinerary and I think some things are very expensive, especially if you have more than 1 child. I mean the Stage fighting? Learning a choreographed fight routine, ok it could be fun and it looks like it lasts approx 2hrs 30 but when like me, you have 3 kids, it’s going to set you back £60!!:-0
I suppose they could do discounts but it sounds like a lot of money to me. The same with the drums, a couple of hours sets you back £20 each.
I can’t believe you have to pay to go in the traders marquee either, why do we have to pay to go into a place to buy stuff?? 
There are lots of things free though so its still worth a visit, do these people not know there is a recession on?;-)
The festival begins with a 2 day conference celebrating some of the most important developments and iconic artefacts uncovered in the last quarter-century of research into the Viking era.
Here is a a brief list of what is happening every day:
Monday 15th
Coppergate Camp – 10.30 – 16.00
Learn about Viking life at sea and on dry land in this fun encampment, then delve for buried artefacts and DIG for Viking Treasure. Plus: on Monday only, create Viking warriors from root vegetables with Mr Swede Head!. (11.00, 13.00, suitable for ages 7 – 11). There is a small charge for some activities.
Nettlefoot Kate – 10.30 – 11.30 (under 7s); 12.00 – 13.00 (ages 8 and over)
Viking tales for children from York’s own eco-storyteller. FREE
For more events on Monday please click here: Monday 15th
Tuesday 16th
Stage Fighting – 10.00, 13.00, 15.30
Central Methodist Hall, St Saviourgate
A chance to learn a choreographed fight routine under the guidance of a stage fighting expert! Suitable for ages 12 and over.
£20. Pre-booking essential more details
Viking Textile Demonstrations – 10.00 – 15.30
The Quilt Museum and Gallery, Peasholme Green
Join us for a week of Viking textile demonstrations and find out how to use a drop spindle, pick up some Anglo-Saxon embroidery tips and discover what ‘Sprang’ is! You can also explore our current exhibitions, ‘The Celtic Fringe’ and ‘Namad: A Persian Journey in Felt’ by artist Bita Ghezelayagh.
Normal admissions apply
For more events on Tuesday please click here: Tuesday 16th
Wednesday 17th
World of Warfare – 10.30 – 12.00; 13.00 – 14.30; 15.00-16.30
Festival Marquee, St Sampson’s Square
See the evolution of the art of warfare from the Roman era through to the advent of gun powder. With Vikings, knights in armour and a Roundhead soldier from the Battle of Marston Moor, plus thrilling displays of battlefield fighting techniques, this is an unmissable Festival treat.
£3 adult, £2 conc.
Taiko Drumming Workshop – 10.00 – 12.00; 13.30 – 15.30
Central Methodist Hall, St Saviourgate
You’ve heard the drums thundering in St Sampson’s Square: now comes your very own chance to try your hand at Japanese Taiko drumming, with the expert guidance of Tamashii Daiko. This enjoyable and lively workshop is the perfect introduction to this traditional art form.
£20 more details
For more events on Wednesday please clicke here: Wednesday 17th
Thursday 18th
Design a Dragon! – 10.00 – 16.00
DIG, St Saviourgate
To celebrate the upcoming release of the new Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation film, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (cert. TBC), DIG will be opening its doors to budding young Viking artists, with an invitation for them to try their hand at designing their own mythical pet! Join our resident artist to create a beast inspired by your own imagination and to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize! ‘How to Train Your Dragon will be at cinemas everywhere 31st March 2010.
FREE
Viking Festival Walk -14.00
Depart Coppergate Square
Join our Viking tour guide and storyteller on a fascinating walk through the streets of York, and learn how in a thousand years surprisingly little has changed. Lasts approximately 1 hour.
£4 adult, £3 conc
For more events on Thursday please clicke here: Thursday 18th
Friday 19th
Tenth-Century Traders – 10:00 – 17:00
Festival Marquee, St Sampson’s Square
Vikings from around the world gather to sell their wares.
£2 adult, £1.50 conc., £5 family
Stardome – 45 minute sessions at 10:30, 11.30, 12.30, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00
Central Methodist Hall, St Saviourgate
Experience the wonders of the universe in this stunning Planetarium.
£3.more details
For more events on Friday please clicke here: Friday 19th
Saturday 20th
Hungate Open Day – 10:00 – 15:00
Hungate
The Hungate Dig celebrates the JORVIK Viking Festival with an open day. Come along for an insight into some of the stunning discoveries uncovered in this quarter of ancient York.
FREE
Prepare for Battle! – 10.30
Museum Gardens
Word has reached Earl Ealdred of the arrival of an army from across the Irish Sea. See him muster his forces and prepare for battle. With have-a-go archery and bird of prey displays. Followed at 13.00 by The March to Coppergate. Earl Ealdred leads his troops across the city to Coppergate in an impressive show of strength, in readiness for the battle that is sure to take place in the evening…
FREE
For more events on Saturday please click here: Saturday 20th
Sunday 21st
The Battlefield at Fulford – 11.00
Meet at the playing fields opposite Fulford cemetery
On 20th September 1066 an Anglo-Saxon army left York to fight an invading Norwegian force. The two armies met at Fulford. Join Chas Jones, author of The Forgotten Battle of 1066: Fulford, for a walk to the battlefield and to hear the story of the conflict. Wear walking clothes and sturdy footwear. A Fulford Battlefield Society event.
FREE
For more events on Saturday and for more info on the Jorvik Viking Festival please click here: Sunday 21st
If you do go to this event please let me know what you thought:-)
