Tickets released for Europe’s largest Viking festival, 8–14 February 2027
Vikings and Normans will battle for York when JORVIK Viking Festival returns from 8–14 February 2027, with a week of spectacular combat, living history, family activities and events inspired by the extraordinary Viking-led rebellion against William the Conqueror.
Everyone knows that William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxons in 1066 – shortly after the Anglo-Saxons had been triumphant over the Vikings at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. However, three years later, York became the focus of a remarkable rebellion that threatened Norman control of England, as Northumbrian rebels, Anglo-Saxons and a huge Danish Viking fleet joined forces against William.
“Most people assume York’s Viking story ends with the Norman Conquest in 1066. It didn’t. Just three years later, a huge Danish fleet of 240 ships joined Northumbrian and Anglo-Saxon rebels to take York from the Normans,” explains JORVIK Viking Festival’s organiser, Mark Jackson of York Archaeology. “It is an extraordinary episode, and it gives us the perfect story around which to build the 2027 Festival.”
Nearly 65,000 people visited the encampment and events during the 2026 Festival, and 2027 promises an even bigger Viking takeover of the city. Parliament Street will once again be transformed into a Viking encampment, packed with tents, craftspeople, replica ships, food and drink and the Berserker Bootcamp for younger warriors, alongside a new addition for 2027: axe throwing.
Key events for the 2027 Festival include the Viking Games and Battle – recreating the Viking invasion in 1069 – at the Eye of York, Kids’ Barbaric Battles in Museum Gardens, the ever-popular Poo Week at DIG, inspired by the Lloyds Bank fossilised poo, Viking Traders market, and regular crafting sessions at Barley Hall. An evening concert in the Parliament Street marquee will see Ramashang – the Danish band who often lead the March to Coppergate – entertaining the crowds.
“This is one of the most ambitious programmes we’ve ever put together, and as usual, York Archaeology has worked hard to ensure that JORVIK Viking Festival includes a host of free activities for all ages, as well as discounted tickets to our Eye of York events for low-income families,” adds Mark. “We’re delighted for the encampment to be supported by the University of York, with our Bloodaxe Book Challenge and other literary-themed events supported by Osprey Publishing.”
Indeed, the Vikings will arrive early in 2027. With York’s half-term holiday falling much earlier, JORVIK Viking Festival will tease the week’s events by setting up the encampment two days early, entertaining visitors to York Ice Trail over the weekend of 6 & 7 February. “We would not have been able to do this without the University of York’s sponsorship, but it should add some additional Norse culture to an already popular weekend activity – and we’ll have an ice sculpture in the encampment, too!” adds Mark.
Tickets for most paid-for events are now available at jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk with details of when and where in the city each event takes place. Early booking is strongly recommended, as nearly all events sold out weeks before the 2026 Festival.
