York Archaeology Ticket Portal

Friday evening tickets available on the door from 18.30, card payments only please.

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.

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!