17 – 23 February 2025
Are you ready to feast like the Gods in Valhalla? Will you cheer on JORVIK’s mighty warriors in a battle of skill, strength and cunning? Or experience a fiery evening spectacular telling the tale of Tyrfing: The Cursed Sword? Tickets are set to be released on Friday 1 November 2024 to the highlight events of the 2025 JORVIK Viking Festival, which takes place across York from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 February 2025.
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of JORVIK Viking Festival, and to celebrate this landmark, there will be not one but two evening spectacular events at the Eye of York, with Friday night being added to the normal Saturday night performance. This year’s night-time celebration tells the story of Tyrfing, a sword that features in Norse mythology as anyone struck by its blade – whether the wound was large or small – would not live to see another day.
“The story of Tyrfing is one of the most exciting of Norse mythology – forged by dwarves, and said to be able to cut through anything, but cursed such that someone had to die whenever the blade was unsheathed. 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,” comments Gareth Henry, head of operations for York Archaeology, which organises JORVIK Viking Festival. “Not only is this perfect for our 40th anniversary, but we’ll be able to welcome more people than ever before, hosting the event over two nights.”
Tickets for the Evening Spectacular are £20 for adults and £15 for concessions, but as an anniversary treat, early bird prices of £15 for adults and £11 for concessions are available for purchases made in November.
Also on sale will be tickets to the Viking Feast, taking place at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Tuesday 18 February. A combination of music, storytelling and fantastic food to be washed down with fine mead from local company, Nidhoggr Mead Company, all in the atmospheric setting of the candle-lit hall, this is an evening not to be missed. Viking costume is always welcome, though not obligatory, and like all great feasts, weapons must be left at home! The event is suitable for over 18s only, with tickets priced at £95.
Young visitors to the Festival are not to be left out, as the Viking Games return to the Eye of York on the afternoon of Saturday 22 February. Spectators can pick their team and then cheer them on to victory in a light-hearted event that challenges strength, agility, wisdom and – of course – the ability to boast! But will the winner be allowed to stand when the competitors’ armies arrive, insisting on a mighty trial by combat in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (free for under 3s).
Accessibility is an important part of JORVIK Viking Festival, and for the Eye of York events, a small seating area for those with mobility difficulties and their carers is provided. An allocation of half-price tickets will also be available for the Viking Games for people on a low income.
“The accessible space always fills quickly, so we’d advise that people book early for this area. The good news, of course, is that we have two evening events so double the opportunity to enjoy the show,” adds Gareth. “As an educational charity, we’re also pleased to be able to offer half-price tickets to those on a low income. There are plenty of free things to do during the Festival, like the Encampment in Parliament Street and Arena shows, but we hope that this means more people can enjoy one of the big events for a reduced cost.”
Tickets to a host more Festival events – including adult crafting, mead tasting and Berserker Boot Camp – are set to be released in early December, making them perfect to give as Christmas presents. Meanwhile, tickets for A Winter Adventure, which will see the set of Viking-age Coppergate in JORVIK Viking Centre itself covered in a blanket of snow are now on sale. A Winter Adventure runs from 11 November 2024 until Sunday 23 February 2025.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk
ENDS
Please credit photographs to Charlotte Graham/JORVIK Viking Festival
A selection of images from JORVIK Viking Festival are available here.
