NORSE crafts, a Viking banquet and a live battle are some of the highlights of this year’s JORVIK Viking Festival.

The festival marks its 30th anniversary this year and its director said the landmark would be reached in style.

The events take place over the school half-term break from February 15 to 23.

Festival director Danielle Daglan said: “We’ve pulled out all the stops this year to make the 30th anniversary JORVIK Viking Festival bigger and better than ever before, with something to appeal to people of all ages and interests – from Norse nålebinding (knitting) to the ultimate Viking banquet in St William’s College, mini-musical workshops for children to our annual Strongest Viking competition, all rounded off with the most spectacular recreation of Ragnarok in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower.

“If you are in the city during half term, you’ll find it hard to get around without happening across some kind of Viking-themed activities.”

The high point of celebrations takes place on Saturday, February 22. Ragnorok, a live battle spectacular, includes 300 Viking warriors, Norse gods, and fireworks set to contemporary music score as it tells the story of the fall of the gods.

Events will be taking place across the city with Coppergate and the Eye of York the centre for living history and combat skills. JORVIK’s warriors will be training children in combat skills at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

York City Screen will host special screenings of the superhero Thor films, and some of the country’s top academics will be present lectures and talks about many different aspects of Viking life uncovered beneath the ground around York.

The full programme is available online at www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk