York Archaeology Ticket Portal

Tuesday 18th February 2025 - 19.00-23.00 - Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

JORVIK Viking Festival Feast

Celebrate the end of a long winter with an unforgettable candlelit dining experience at the historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall! Gather in this magnificent venue for a three-course feast inspired by traditional Viking fare, with live entertainment and epic tales from the past that will transport you to another era.

For the first time ever, the Festival Feast will feature both the Best Dressed Viking and Best Beard Contest. All are welcome to enter  - attire can be authentic or a new twist and beards can be natural or proudly homemade. Prizes for both competitions will be awarded on the night.

This dining experience is a festival favorite and a ‘must-do’ for your 2025 calendar!

This event is sponsored by Nidhoggr Mead Co. https://www.nidhoggrmead.com/

Please purchase tickets before 27th January 2025, to allow our Festival team to finalise plans with the caterers.

This is an 18+ event, please bring ID.

Friday 21st February & Saturday 22nd February 2025 - 19.30-20.30 - Eye of York

'Evening Spectacular: Tyrfing. The Cursed Sword'

Experience our Evening Spectacular! As you are guided into a world with a chance encounter between a king and two dwarves that leads to the forging of a magical sword - but all is not as it seems.

The sword is named Tyrfing and it possesses formidable powers. It can cut through rock and iron as easily as cloth or flesh. The bearer of the sword will always defeat his opponent.
But this mighty blade also carries a terrible curse. Each time it is drawn it must taste blood. Someone must die, and it will cause three evil deeds to be done. It will destroy those who wield it and cause great suffering!

Join ‘Time Will Tell Theatre’, as we journey into the heart of a Viking myth with trickery, beauty, death and curses in our Tale of Tyrfing; The Cursed Sword!

This event sells out every year, so this year we have introduced a second performance so that more people will get to experience this show stopping spectacular to finish their week at JORVIK Viking Festival 2025.

Saturday 22nd February 2025 - 13.30-14.30 - Eye of York

Two teams face off in the Viking Games! Back by popular demand, this family-friendly event returns for 2025. Contestants battle it out in a test of strength, skill, cunning and wisdom with Odin as the referee. Expect combat, impressive feats of endurance and plenty of laughs along the way.

Please note, if you wish to participate in the March to Coppergate you won’t be able to join the Viking Games as it will already be underway.

Monday 17th February 18.00-19.00 & 19.30-20.30 - Barley Hall

Step back in time to an era before TikTok trends and Instagram likes, and immerse yourself in the epic tales of the Skalds—Viking storytellers. This brand-new, interactive performance invites you to become part of the story!
Travel to a feasting hall beneath the city of Jorvik, just moments after the Vikings have seized control. Join Ubbe Ragnarson as he wrestles with the triumph of victory and the looming shadow of his brother’s reign. Dive into the drama and play your part in the unfolding saga!

Thursday 20th February 19.00-21.00 - Barley Hall

Step into a truly epic adventure with Dungeon Master Johnny Chiodini for a Viking-inspired game of Dungeons & Dragons like no other! With 34 players, 6 characters, and 1 wild, unpredictable story, anything can happen. What’s in store? Who knows — so why not roll the dice and find out!
This brand-new addition to the Viking Festival promises chaotic fun, whether you're a seasoned D&D player or just starting out. Is D&D designed for this many players? Probably not, but that’s all part of the excitement! Ready to roll a Nat 20? Book your place today!

This event is suitable for age 18+

Saturday 22nd February 2025 - 10.30-11.00 & 11.30-12.00 - Eye of York

Every Viking remembers their first battle—now it’s your little warrior’s turn! In our brand-new Kids Barbaric Battle, up to 100 young fighters will step into the Eye of York to prove themselves worthy of Valhalla (and we’re pretty sure they all are!). This is a practice battle, so safety comes first—foam weapons, shields, and equipment are all provided. Little Vikings under 5 will need an adult by their side on the battlefield.
Want to get your kids ready for combat? Check out our Berserker Bootcamp workshops for the ultimate Viking training!

Wednesday 19th February 19.00-21.00 - Barley Hall

Discover your new favourite drink! Join the award-winning Lancashire Mead Company as they introduce you to the Vikings' drink of choice — mead. Learn about the cultural and historical significance of this honey-based beverage, cherished not only by the Vikings but throughout the Middle Ages and into the 21st Century!
Sample a variety of delicious meads, paired with tasty nibbles, and soak up the atmosphere in the stunning Great Hall of our medieval townhouse. Skål!

This event is suitable for age 18+

Monday 17th February 10:00-13:00 & 14.00:17:00 - Barley Hall

Get a taste of Viking life with our hands-on leatherworking workshop! Using  traditional leatherworking tools, you’ll craft your very own leather bracers and perhaps discover a new hobby along the way. Suited for adults (aged 16+ only), these beginner-friendly sessions offer a unique glimpse into Viking life. With limited spots available, we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Tuesday 18th February 10:00-13:00 & 14.00:17:00 - Barley Hall

Step into the world of Viking craftsmanship with our hands-on Nalebinding sessions! Make your own Viking hats and socks with this historical technique, that uses the Norse method of knitting with one needle. Suitable for adults (aged 16+ only), these beginner-friendly sessions offer a unique glimpse into Viking life. With limited spots available, we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Wednesday 19th February 10:00-13:00 & 14.00:17:00 - Barley Hall

Dive into the past with our hands-on Viking pottery workshops! This workshop uses hand-building techniques (not the wheel-thrown pottery you may have tried before) during which you will create your own unique piece to take home - a treasure worthy of any Viking hoard! Suited for adults (aged 16+ only), these beginner-friendly sessions offer a unique glimpse into Viking life. With limited spots available, we recommend booking in advance to secure your place.

Thursday 20th February - 20:00-21:45 - National Centre for Early Music

JORVIK first opened its doors to the public on Saturday, April 14, 1984. Join Chris Tuckley, Head of Interpretation & Learning at York Archaeology, for an entertaining look back at how this iconic museum and tourist attraction came to be. The lecture incorporates a screening of 'JORVIK Viking Centre at 40', a brand new documentary film that combines interviews with the original JORVIK project team and archival footage to explore the extraordinary circumstances of JORVIK's creation.

Wednesday 19th February 13:30 - 15:00 - York Explore Library

Following the release of her new Viking-themed novel, Sophie Kirtley - bestselling children’s author of The Wild Way Home and The Way to Impossible Island - joins us for JORVIK Viking Festival 2025! Young readers can hear about the inspiration for Edie’s mysterious adventure and what it’s like to write stories for a living. You’ll also get the chance to ask Sophie your questions, buy her new book and get it signed!

Pre-booking is essential.
Suitable for ages approximately 7-11.

One free accommpanying adult with each child ticket.

Transport: 
On foot: walkable from City Centre 
By bike: storage racks at entrance 
By train: 10 mins walk from York train station;
By car: No Car Parking available on site except limited Blue Badge bays on Library Square. There is an NCP car park 0.3 miles away on Tanner Row.
 

Friday 21st February - 19:00-21:00 - Barley Hall

Raise a horn with Nidhogger Mead Company for an evening of cocktails and Viking sagas! You may know a Mojito or an Old Fashioned, but have you ever tasted a mead cocktail? Each drink is inspired by a Viking saga, brought to life by our talented Skald.
Be warned—if the mead makes you too merry, you might just become part of the story! Skål!

Friday 21st February - 11:00-12:00, 12:15-13:15, 14:00-15:00, 15:15-16:15 - Travelling Man

Johnny Chiodini, the acclaimed Dungeon Master of the popular Oxventure series, returns to the Festival, eager to guide you through the mysterious Mythic North! In this thrilling one-shot, you’ll face strange beings and twisted creatures that dwell in the shadows. Inspired by Nordic folklore, Vaesen is an award-winning tabletop RPG that brings dark legends to life.

Johnny is the DM behind The Oxventure, a beloved Dungeons & Dragons series on YouTube featuring the talents of Outside Xbox and Outside Xtra. Don’t miss this chance to dive into a world of Nordic myths and battle the unknown!

Thursday 20th February - 11:00 - Barley Hall

Join talented illustrator Katie Smith for an exclusive event where she will share insights into her creative process, discussing how she designed the artwork for the new Vikings Top Trumps cards.

The event will begin with an introductory talk, followed by a 45 minute drawing workshop, where Katie will guide participants in creating their own Top Trumps character using simple drawing techniques.

Whether you're an aspiring illustrator or a Top Trumps fan, Katie’s expert tips will help you draw a character to take home with you. Additionally, attendees will be gifted a limited edition Viking Top Trumps card, designed by Katie for the workshop, that they can get signed by the artist herself.

This event is designed for ages 15-19, who are interested in illustration, drawing, or pursuing a future career in the creative arts. Please note that those under 16 must be accommpanied by and adult aged 18+.

Tuesday 18th February - 19:30 - Barley Hall

Join Villains Rum of York for an unforgettable evening in the historic setting of Barley Hall, as we launch our new seasonal Queen Gunnhildr Honey Rum. This exclusive tasting event features five of our signature villain-inspired rums, alongside an introduction to the legend of Queen Gunnhildr with expert Alex Ibbott on hand to answer questions to those intrigued to know more.

Adding to the atmosphere, one of our Villains Rum tour guides will enchant you with the captivating stories of the infamous figures behind each rum from Erik Bloodaxe to Guy Fawkes.

Your evening will include:

• A welcome drink to start your villainous journey.
• Tasting experience of five Villains Rums, including the new Queen Gunnhildr Honey Rum.
• A 50ml miniature of Queen Gunnhildr Honey Rum — Limited Edition miniature and not available for general sale.
• Held in the stunning medieval Great Hall of Barley Hall, this event is the perfect blend of history, storytelling, and exceptional rum.