PHOTOS: Festival's 10th birthday announced after weekend of Viking fun in Heysham

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 12:32

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Vikings up on the headland at Heysham during the festival. Photo credit: Phil Keenan

A popular festival will return for its 10th anniversary after a successful weekend of "Viking vibes" in Heysham village.

The Heysham Viking Festival pulled crowds on Saturday and Sunday for all kinds of viking-themed fun.

Following the event, the organising team announced the dates for the 2026 festival - of July 18 and 19 next year.

They said this year's festival had included "amazing battles, authentic crafts, happy families and proper Viking vibes".

And not even heavy rain on Sunday could put a dampener on the fun on the village field, as crowds gathered to watch battle re-enactments, wander round the 'living history' Viking village and much more.

Peter Whaley, from the organising committee, posted on the Heysham Viking Festival Facebook page: "As usual I would like to thank the re-enactors who provide such a brilliant look back in history and did brave the rain on Sunday afternoon to complete the show.

"A huge thank you to all who came to support the event from far and wide, I believe we had three coaches from out of the area this year and I hope you all enjoyed your day.

"(Thank you to) the traders that spend time setting up during the week to supply you with food, drink and authentic Viking wares.

"A special thanks to Matty from Lancaster City Council who kept the bins emptied all weekend and a supply of bags for our litter pickers which leads me onto the wonderful group of volunteers, some of who made it their first event and some who just love to come back year on year they know who they are.

"Thanks Sal for manning the info desk and anyone I’ve missed. We couldn’t do it without you and I’m sorry you got wet. Thanks to Debbie for the packed lunches, the cheese were great.

"And we couldn’t do it without our sponsors so a great big thanks to them all in whatever capacity you have have sponsored.

"And last but not least my fellow members of the organising committee, 'A Few Good Men' and one lady. I know I keep saying this is my last one but you rarely find something that is so satisfying when you stand back and say we did that, and we’ve done it seven times.

"See you all next year for our 10th anniversary."

Here are more photos from the weekend. Credit: Phil Keenan.