The Jorvik Viking Festival will run from February 17 to 23 and promises a host of events and activities to ‘entertain, thrill, and even disgust’.
The organisers have announced an extra fiery spectacle, more weapons at the Berserker Bootcamp, and the infamous Poo Day extended to a full week.
Gareth Henry, from York Archaeology, the charity behind the festival, said: “We have got an absolutely packed schedule for February.
Vikings arrive in Coppergate at a previous festival (Image: Charlotte Graham/JORVIK Viking Festival)
“We know that hotels often book up quickly in the new year, so we’d urge anyone planning to visit to get their travel arrangements sorted nice and early so they can take advantage of the wide range of events, workshops and experiences on offer this year.
“With the first Jorvik Viking Festival taking place in 1985, this is our 40th year – and we are making sure it will be one to remember.”
The festival will feature a mix of free and paid events around the city centre, including a living history encampment in Parliament Street with Viking craftspeople, and the Midgard Marquee hosting Jorvik’s academy for young warriors.
The JORVIK Viking Festival returns to York for its 40th year in 2025 (Image: Charlotte Graham/JORVIK Viking Festival) These night-time celebrations will tell the story of Tyrfing, a sword that features in Norse mythology. The story goes that anyone struck by its blade – whether the wound was large or small – would not live to see another day.
Other highlights include a show at the Eye of York on February 21 and 22, telling the story of Tyrfing, The Cursed Sword, with battles and pyrotechnics.
Tickets for this event cost £20 for adults and £15 for concessions.
The March to Coppergate, a parade of more than 200 Viking warriors through the city streets, will fill the city with costumed Vikings, culminating in The Viking Games.
The JORVIK Viking Festival returns to York for its 40th year in 2025 (Image: Charlotte Graham/JORVIK Viking Festival) “It is a brilliant saga, and ideal for our unique in-the-round setting at the Eye of York, where viewers will enjoy light displays, rousing music and pyrotechnics to bring the story to life.
Poo Day, where young visitors attempt to recreate the world-famous Lloyds Bank coprolite (fossilised human excrement) using a variety of ingredients, is being extended into Poo Week with daily sessions at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure on St Saviourgate.
Mr Henry said: “We’ve also added to our events for adults this year with the traditional Viking beverage of mead playing a big part, from sophisticated mead tasting as well as a more lively evening of mead cocktails and sagas planned.
A man breathes fire during the 2024 JORVIK Viking Festival night finale (Image: Charlotte Graham/JORVIK Viking Festival) Meanwhile, the festival will see the Viking Games return to the Eye of York on the afternoon of Saturday, February 22.
“For the full immersive experience, we also have a few tickets left for the Viking Feast – an evening of fine food in the stunning setting of the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall, with entertainment provided by our own Viking team.”
Tickets for the paid events can be booked now at jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.
The festival coincides with the last week of Jorvik Viking Centre’s Winter Adventure, showcasing a snow and ice-covered Coppergate.