The Vikings have landed!

353 - This week is the 28th annual Viking festival in York, and I have to confess that this year is the first time I've been to see any of it. It's publicity has always struck me as being directed towards commercial activity rather than historical accuracy, and to an extent my fears were justified. Having said that there were some entertaining things going on, and I rather liked this display of a recreation of a Viking boat.

This display is in the heart of the Coppergate shopping centre, which is also the home of the Jorvik Viking Centre. Before this shopping centre was built, a massive archaeological dig took place and an enormous amount of Viking material was discovered, and much added to our knowledge of Viking York.

Below the shopping centre in the Jorvik Viking Centre is a recreation of this part of the city as it would have been in Viking times, and a very impressive display it is.

The Viking Festival is expected to attract 40,000 visitors over the course of the week (mainly day trippers), so it is certainly a success at drawing people to the city.

[Julian]

See what you mean - looks like some of the vikings have gone for a cup of tea! Good shot.

[Judith Johnson]

You seem to have rather a lot to celebrate in York. An interesting scene and a subject worthy of revisiting. Is it half term week there?

[Therese]

How awesome is that! Pity that the history has to take second place....

[Steviepix]

Good capture of the festive occasion and interesting text to go with the image.

[Netkonnexion]

Nicely seen. A fun shot.

[Debra Hall]

yes, some of the info conveyed can be grossly inaccurate. Fun for the kids though - enjoying stories that stretch the truth

[bruni]

Nicely done with the Viking ship and all. festivals like that unfortunately have a commercial impack rather then historical. but I'm sure there are other values for York from the arrival of 40,000 visitors.

[Pyrrhula]

Guest they are now more welcome then in those days .And with 40.000 visitors you can defeat them easely

[bruni]

There seems to be a lot going on in your town of York during the year. to bring 40,000 visitors it must be quite the festivity. the pictures is neat with the recreated Viking Boat.

[Tony]

Nice capture of that boat Ian and even if the event wasn't historically accurate you do have that great depth of history to reflect on. 40,000 visitors must have created quite a crowd.

[Janet]

Boat for sale? I have never been to the Jorvik festival - somehow I always find out about it too late! Have they ever set fire to the boats and sent them down the Ouse?

[Hazel A]

Might not be accurate but it bring history alive for the children

[bkb in the city]

Well I am sure it is commercialized but it does provide good photo ops

[Vesna]

Well done!

[Malc Bird]

Visited the Jorvik Museum around 15 years ago and was really impressed - even with the 'authentic' odours :)

[Frank Hymus]

Great shot executed very well.

[Bob]

Looks like a fun festival. Nice shot of the Viking boat. Cool

[Ian Fisher]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and comments, it's always encouraging to hear from you all. It is half term this week, so York would be quite busy anyway, but the Viking Festival does draw in extra crowds! Many of the children were having fun trying out some Viking games and activities.

@glenmoor @busylady @monkeykid @steviepix @netkonnexion @doodlerdeb @bruni @pyrrhula @tonydebont @janturnbull @purplehaze12 @bkbinthecity @vesna0210 @malc @frankhymus @bobhuegel