Watch: Here’s what’s making the crowd react like this in York

Smiles and gasps – these were the reactions to an action-packed day at the end of the Jorvik Viking Festival in York.

This crowd were enjoying some serious Viking wrestling, complete with body slams.

Later flames and fireworks were enjoyed by a sell-out gathering last night (Saturday), as they enjoyed the Battle Spectacular at the Eye of York.

The night-time event was being staged for the first time since 2019, and featured a retelling of Arabic diarist Abn Fadlan’s encounters with the Rus – who we know today as the Vikings – set to an exciting soundtrack. 

The evening culminated in a fiery ‘boat-burning’ with a Viking chieftan sent on his way to Valhalla.

This all came after a full day of Norse-themed thrills and excitement, from the Strongest Viking competition, this year featuring the talented cast of wrestling event Mythos: Ragnarok, which played at York Barbican on Friday night, showcasing feats of strength, skill and even body slamming to the contest’s largest ever crowd.

Crowds lined the streets from York Minster to watch an estimated 250 Viking warriors and civilians on the March to Coppergate, and joined the warriors for a series of battles and skirmishes at the Eye of York.

Festival manager Gareth Henry said” “This has been a very good year for Jorvik Viking Festival, despite strong winds marring Friday’s events. 

“We were incredibly happy to see the story of Ibn Fadlan finally receive the audience it deserved at the Battle Spectacular, with this show having been planned since 2019.

“A little drizzle didn’t dampen the spirits or the atmosphere for the evening.”

This year’s nine-day Jorvik Viking Festival ran from Saturday 11 February, and has seen tens of thousands of visitors attend events and visit the Viking encampment in the heart of York. 

Sell-out events included the Jolablot Banquet, mead tasting, crafting workshops and lectures, whilst hundreds of children participated in the Beserker Bootcamp at the Guildhall.