01/02/2011

Issued by: Jorvik Viking Festival

Film premieres, world famous authors...and Viking poo. It can only mean one thing: it's ‘Vikid Day'!

The first Vikid Day comes to the JORVIK Viking Festival this February on Tuesday 22nd February in York. Come face-to-face with Horrible Histories author Terry Deary for teatime terrors; join the brilliant Matt Haig to hear the story behind Shadow Forest and the Runaway Troll; see the English film premier of Wickie the Mighty Viking; and have a go at making your own Viking crafts - all at Vikid Day, as part of the nine-day Festival.

Scrub up on your Viking knowhow by delving for Viking treasure at York Archaeological Trust's DIG attraction; be part of a fun Viking encampment where you can find out about Viking life at sea and on land; or try your hand at making a Viking out of root vegetables in the ‘Mr Swede Head' event.

Explore the muckier side of history at the Festival's ‘Poo Day' on Wednesday 23rd February. See how archaeologists have found out about Vikings by dissecting their number twos! You can also get your hands dirty and make one of your own (from the materials provided).

And bring the adults along, too - there's plenty of things to keep them entertained including the Viking challenge where they can test their strength in Dark Ages-inspired activities; as well as a rare chance to see Monty Python's Holy Grail on the big screen, attended by the seventh Python, Neil Innes, on Monday 21st February.

Says Sarah Maltby from York Archaeological Trust, owners of JORVIK Viking Centre and Festival organisers, "There's so much going on for kids at this year's Festival that we wanted to make an official day for it. Whether you want to get your hands dirty, live like a Viking or meet some world-class authors, then come along. There's something for kids of all ages - big and small."

For the full nine-day Festival programme, venues and prices visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/viking-festival.

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