VIDEO: Vikings march through Heysham as popular festival invades village

Monday, 22 July 2024 16:22

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Vikings in action at the festival over the weekend. Photo credit @Heysham Vikings

Vikings have once again invaded Heysham for the return of a popular festival.

The Heysham Viking Festival, which took place this past weekend in the centre of Heysham village, has been hailed as a huge success.

Vikings marched through the village, there were battle re-enactments and encampments showing visitors how vikings used to live.

This year's event took visitors back to 1002 AD, a time of escalating conflict and revenge, when Heysham found itself caught in the crossfire of a brutal war between the English and the Danes.

Following the devastating English defeat at the Battle of Maldon in 991, King Æthelred the Unready was forced to pay tribute to the Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard. However, tensions continued to rise, culminating in the St. Brice’s Day massacre of 1002, a horrific act of violence against Danish settlers in England.

Enraged by the massacre, King Sweyn Forkbeard unleashed his fury upon the English coast, launching a series of retaliatory raids. Heysham, with its strategic location, became a prime target for the Viking wrath.

Vikings pictured in Heysham over the weekend. Photo credit: Morecambe Area Police.

A post on the Heysham Viking Festival page said afterwards: "Well that’s another awesome festival over.

"Within two hours you would hardly know anything had happened on these fields this weekend, a testament not only to the Vikings who leave a clean site but to all our volunteers who tirelessly keep on top of cleaning all weekend and the traders who leave their areas immaculate.

"This weekend was the first full weekend since COVID and it was good to be back and the team have all assumed individual roles and specialities and we will continue to make Heysham show better.

"The dedication of all the reenactment groups make this show special and I thank them all for attending this weekend.

"And you know you’ve achieved your goal when coaches turn up from Bradford and Wigan with Heysham Viking Festival emblazoned across the front of the bus.

"This weekend has made all the early mornings and late nights worth while and I thank the team that supports me in bringing this show to you all.

"If you missed it this afternoon next year's date is July 19-20, put it in the diary."

WATCH the vikings march through Heysham village. Video credit: The Royal, Heysham.

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A post on the Morecambe Area Police Facebook page also praised the festival.

"What a great event this is.

"Really well attended again this year, loads of families out having fun. I met some lovely people and some cute dogs. I even learned a little bit of history about Heysham village from 1002 AD. Every day's a school day.

"Thanks to everyone who volunteers and supports this wonderful event. And a big shout out to the Vikings!! You rock!"

Images below from Morecambe Area Police Facebook page.