14/01/2011

Icelandic folk singers, specially commissioned theatrical performances, book launches and film screenings - there's much more to the 2011 JORVIK Viking Festival than battles and boat burnings.

Attracting more than 40,000 people to the historic city of York, the nine-day festival (19 to 27 February), celebrates Viking history and culture, and also provides the platform for a wider cultural experience.

 

Highlights include:

The Red Queen with Philippa Gregory

Best selling author, Philippa Gregory, introduces her latest novel.  The Red Queen follows the ambitions of Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor, through the blood-soaked years of the Wars of the Roses.  Be amongst the audience and put your questions to Philippa and buy a signed copy of the book.

 

Fit for a King

Celebrate the JORVIK Viking Festival and join King Ethelred for an evening of music and poetry in the splendid candlelit surroundings of York Minster. Including performances and specially commissioned new work by the Ebor Singers and Soundsphere, plus a performance by the Leeds Waits and poetry from a Viking skald.

 

Egil Skallagrimsson Keeps His Head

The highly acclaimed production by North Country Theatre, commissioned especially for the Festival in 2010 tells the story of Icelandic hardman Egil Skallagrimsson and his crew who are storm driven up the Humber into the hands of their old enemy Erik Bloodaxe.  An entertaining interpretation of a Viking classic.

 

Gladiator - Fight for Freedom with Simon Scarrow

Join the acclaimed writer of historical fiction to hear about his latest novel for young adults, which brings the world of Rome's elite warriors to vivid life!

 

Wickie the Mighty Viking

The 70s cartoon ‘Vicky the Viking' comes to life on the big screen as the live action adventure gets its English premier at the Festival.

 

Monty Python and The Holy Grail, with a special guest appearance by Neil Innes

Journey back to the Middle Ages with King Arthur and his knights as they embark on a silly and low-budget quest for the fabled Holy Grail. A rare chance to see this movie  favourite on the big screen and in the company of the brilliant Neil Innes, the 7th Python who will be on hand to answer questions on this cult classic!

 

The Runaway Troll with Matt Haig

Join the brilliant Matt Haig to hear the story behind Shadow Forest (Blue Peter Book of the Year 2008) and its sequel, The Runaway Troll, both inspired by the fantastical world of Norse mythology. Includes a chance to ask Matt your questions and to buy your own signed copy of the book.

 

Teatime Terrors with Terry Deary

Children get the chance to meet the infamous children's author and learn more about the Seven Ages of York and horrible characters from the history of the city. A unique event specially written for the Viking Festival by this best selling writer.

 

Eirik Bloodaxe with Gareth Williams

Dr Gareth Williams of the British Museum introduces his new biography of Eirik Bloodaxe, the last Viking ruler of Jorvik.

 

For the full Festival programme and booking information, visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

- ENDS -